Pedal and pedestrian power is getting a big push in Northern Ireland with the opening of Sustrans’ new Active Travel Centre in Derry-Londonderry. The new centre aims to support local residents to walk, wheel and cycle more in their neighbourhoods.
Official opening of the Active Travel Centre in Derry~Londonderry. L to R: Caroline Bloomfield, Sustrans Northern Ireland Director; John McLaughlin, CEO Donegal County Council; Mayor of Derry, Cllr Sandra Duffy; Translink CEO Chris Conway and SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre.
About the new centre
People and organisations throughout the border region can now use this fantastic new Active Travel Centre at the North West Transport Hub.
The centre will support everyone in the region to walk, wheel and cycle more, helping to combat climate change and a growing health crisis.
The new facility has been set up in partnership with Life Cycles.
They're a zero-waste North West initiative to save bikes from landfill and get people cycling through lessons, led rides and cycle fix sessions.
Cycling accessories and bike mechanic services will be available from The Bike General.
Little Acorns Bookstore will hand-pick a range of reading material related to walking, cycling, trains and the local area for all ages.
Visit Derry
Tourist information from Visit Derry will be available for those arriving at the award-winning new Transport Hub.
The centre will offer a range of activities and support from experienced Active Travel Officers.
This includes training for those wishing to learn to cycle safely and advice on local cycle routes.
All of the activities on offer aim to help people adopt a healthier option to the car.
A big boost to people’s physical and mental health
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sandra Duffy, encourages fellow citizens to get a burst of fresh air by walking or on an invigorating bike ride.
Mayor Duffy said:
"I am delighted to attend the official opening of the new Active Travel Centre.
"It will be a big boost to people’s physical and mental health as well as benefit the environment and help the council tackle climate change at a local level.
"By taking small individual steps locally and literally, we can all play our part in reducing emissions and engendering healthier habits for the good of the planet and ourselves."
Creating a healthier region for everyone
Chris Conway, Translink CEO, said:
"We welcome the opening of this new Active Travel Centre at the North West Transport Hub, helping people make more sustainable transport choices.
"Using public transport and other active travel modes like walking and cycling reduces harmful emissions, tackles the climate emergency and creates a healthier region for everyone.
"This integrated approach is crucial to a transport transformation that supports the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the city."
A greener and happier place for future generations
Caroline Bloomfield, Sustrans Northern Ireland Director, said:
"It’s wonderful to have such a high-profile base in the North West where I know there already exists a superb network of greenways and cycle paths.
"Having an Active Travel Centre at the heart of the community encourages walking and cycling which brings multiple benefits so that we and future generations can live in a healthier, greener and happier place.
"I wish to thank our sponsors Translink and SEUPB who have helped us open this new hub."
Upcoming activities at the centre
As well as scheduled and project-based activities, the Active Travel Centre will be open to the general public:
- Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm
- and Thursdays 6 pm – 8 pm for Cycle ‘Fix & Save’ sessions.
If you need more information about the new hub, please email Cat Brogan at cat.brogan@sustrans.org.uk.
Find out more about our Active Travel Hubs in Northern Ireland.
