Signs are to be placed in a popular South Belfast park to warn cyclists from riding at high speeds through it.
Belfast City Council has said that signs will be put up in Botanic Gardens warning cyclists to be wary of others using the park following concerns that bikes were being ridden at too high a speeds and causing problems for pedestrians.
It has been claimed that the park has become a "cut-through" for delivery drivers and other cyclists using electric bikes that can go at higher speeds than regular ones.
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A number of people have complained of feeling unsafe while walking in the park with the bikes going past them so quickly.
SDLP Botanic Councillor Gary McKeown said: "Concerns that people have raised around this points to the appalling lack of cycle infrastructure in this city. We have enough room to accommodate everyone, but we need the routes to be created to enable this.
"However, parks by their very nature will always attract a range of users, including dog walkers, families and cyclists, so it's important that everyone is able to enjoy places like Botanic Gardens safely.
"Our parks are used for a number of reasons, whether to get exercise, meet up with friends or commute to work, and the vast majority of people do this with courtesy and respect for other residents. I would urge anyone using our parks for whatever reason to do so with consideration for other users."
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of reports of cyclists passing through Botanic Gardens at high speed. We would encourage all cyclists to be mindful of other visitors as they pass through the park. To increase awareness of the issue, we will be placing signage around the park and our park wardens will also be in place to offer help and guidance to all park users.”
Do you think there should be a speed warning for cyclists or are you a cyclist who feels the measures go too far? Let us know in the comments below.
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