South Belfast councillors have called for Belfast Bikes to be installed at Forestside Shopping Centre.
SDLP councillors Séamas de Faoite and John Gallen have said that introducing the popular cycling scheme at the shopping centre would be a huge boost for local residents and improve their connectivity with the rest of the city.
The move would see Belfast City Council working with Lisburn and Castlereagh Council to deliver the bikes, with the proposal being placed on the Belfast Bikes strategic review which is due to be voted on at the full Belfast Council.
Belfast City Council papers say it would cost £35,000 to install the bikes.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Lisburn and Castlereagh councillor John Gallen said: "Since lockdown we have all started working from home, I know I am out walking and cycling a lot and I know the benefit the local community would get from this scheme.
"My Family use the one at the top of the Ormeau Road and cycle down to the park and Botanic Gardens and having the station at Forestside would make it much more accessible for residents in the Four Winds and Newtownbreda.
"The scheme would also enhance people's physical and mental wellbeing, and we have seen there are record numbers for their usage across Belfast and it would be a great boost for everyone living in the area."
Belfast City councillor Séamas de Faoite has said the Belfast Bikes scheme has already proven to be highly successful across the city.
He said: "Throughout the strategic review of the Belfast Bikes Programme we in the SDLP have called for greater partnership between the two Councils to extend stations to Forestside and Newtownbreda. John Gallen and I have been campaigning together to secure this partnership and connect our two areas through active travel infrastructure.
“Working with SDLP Minister Nichola Mallon we have already secured investment to deliver new connections between the Castlereagh Hills and Lagan Gateway through the installation of two new pedestrian crossings either side of Cherryvale Playing Fields.
“Although we disagree on many things, investment in Belfast Bikes and additional cycling infrastructure is something all of the Lisnasharragh councillors have been working together on. With the new stations at the Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, Ravenhill, Cregagh and the Castlereagh Road joining existing stations on the Ormeau Road, our area has the potential to be at the forefront of the active travel revolution in the city.”
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "Any decision to expand the Just Eat Belfast Bikes scheme will need to be considered by the relevant committee and approved by the full council."
