Glider extensions and city centre cycle routes proposed in Belfast transport plan

Glider services could extend along Lisburn Road and Shore Road, while new walking and cycling links are proposed for Belfast city centre under the draft Eastern Transport Plan. The Department for Infrastructure’s proposals are under consultation.

New Glider corridors

The Lisburn Road proposal would link the city centre with south-west Belfast, potentially connecting with the existing Black’s Road Park and Ride. It forms part of a proposed third phase of the Belfast Rapid Transport project.

Bus lanes and new Glider stops would accompany the service. Appraisal and design work would progress during the plan period before delivery.

On Shore Road, the proposed service would start at a new Park and Ride in Metropolitan Newtownabbey and run towards Belfast city centre and beyond. That corridor would also gain bus lanes and Glider stops, with appraisal and design work preceding delivery.

These proposals follow the project’s second phase, which will extend Glider services along Antrim Road and Ormeau Road in north and south Belfast.

Walking and cycling links

For the northern part of the city centre, the draft proposes segregated, two-way cycle routes using the inner ring.

To the south, a continuous route giving priority to walking and wheeling would connect Botanic Avenue, Dublin Road and Bedford Street with the rest of the city centre. This would form the Civic Spine.

New 20mph zones across Belfast and further city centre pedestrianisation also feature in the draft plan.