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A Cycle Friendly Borough

Following a Notice of Motion in 2023, the Council acknowledges the environmental and health benefits associated with the recent increase in cycling and has declared Ards and North Down a Cycling Friendly Borough.

The Council also recognises that people who cycle are among the most vulnerable road users, and it is working towards ways in which we can help improve safety. This includes actively investigating sources of funding, potential partnerships, and ways in which we can promote good relations between users of different forms of transport. 

The elements that Council are developing that will contribute towards a Cycling Friendly Borough are:  

  • The role of, and working with, the Department of Infrastructure;  
  • The proposed Ards and North Down Borough Council Cycling Masterplan;
  • Working with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), on the National Cycling Network and For Everyone Initiative;
  • The Councils Greenways  network programme;
  • Cycle to Work Scheme; 

  • Cycle Friendly Workplace Scheme - initial audit current.

The Ards and North Down Cycling Masterplan Survey

Working with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, in Autumn 2025, Borough residents and those who cycle in the area were invited to complete the Ards and North Down Cycling Masterplan Survey (survey closed 30 November 2025). The survey asked respondents for their views on travel and active travel, and responses will be used to inform a new Cycling Masterplan for the council area, due for completion April 2026. 

Active travel means a mode of transport which involves a physically active method, such as walking, wheeling or cycling, for all or part of a journey. This includes travel to and from the places we live, work, learn, visit and play. Wheeling refers to those who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. 

We are correlating the feedback on how residents currently use active travel, the opportunities and facilities available in the local area, and what potential changes people would like to see. This feedback will help shape future changes in the local and the wider council area. 

Partnership with Cycling Ireland and Ards and North Down Cycling Campaign

In 2025 we established a monthly Park Pedal event, working with Cycling Ireland and Ards and North Down Cycling Campaign.

The Park Pedal is a fun, traffic-free Community Bike Ride designed for everyone- whether you're new to cycling or a regular rider. This relaxed, social ride offers a safe way to enjoy cycling off road, meet new people, and build confidence on your bike across parks and open spaces in the borough. 

Urban Parks

In addition there are six urban parks locations across the Borough including Newtownards; Comber; Killinchy; Portavogie. Details and mapping can be found at Play parks .