To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether his Department is considering improvements to street lighting, including in rural areas, to encourage people from all areas to actively participate in the Bicycle Strategy.

My Department takes account of safety for all road users, including cyclists, when considering the provision or improvement of street lighting facilities, in both urban and rural areas.

Due to the ongoing pressure on my Department’s resource budget for street lighting, further extensions to the street lighting network are generally not appropriate until sufficient resources are available to properly operate and maintain existing street lighting installations.

The draft Bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland highlights four key elements which will contribute to achieving our vision for cycling in Northern Ireland. These are:

a comprehensive network for the bicycle;

safe spaces for the bicycle;

greater numbers of people travelling by bicycle; and

inviting places for all.

Once the Strategy has been finalised a Bicycle Strategy Delivery Plan will be published. The Delivery Plan will include details of specific projects that my Department is planning to take forward.