Ards & North Down Councillors are considering an application to widen and adapt our coastal path to enable greatly increased cycling numbers, encouraging cyclists to commute to Belfast. Hundreds of walkers and leisure cyclists already share and enjoy the North Down Coastal Path every day but these plans would destroy its natural character and have a devastating impact on the marine environment and the experience of people on the path.

If approved, planning application LA06/2020/0530/F would widen the path by tree felling, increasing tarmac cover and adding costly concrete and metal bridges. Almost worse than this, it short-changes the cyclists it is meant to serve who want to commute quickly and safely by bike.

The proposed route is long, indirect and cyclists will have to look out for and give way to pedestrians. Rather than delivering top-quality cycle lanes (as near Carrickfergus), the Council has planned a fast ‘mini-road’ that will permanently spoil the spirit of natural wildness at the heart of the coastal path’s appeal to the community. Tensions between cyclists and walkers are already being expressed. Our aim is to reduce this and find a solution that works for everyone who loves the path.

We are a group of individuals who love the path. Some like walking, some prefer cycling and some do both. It is not simply a ‘route’; it is a place where people can replenish their mental health while taking gentle exercise. 

We believe a solution must have twin goals: to Preserve the coastal path in all its natural beauty and to Provide for cyclists to go at speed, unimpeded, on a more appropriate inland route.  Hence we are ‘For Another Path’.

Please support our two-pronged approach, asking decision-makers at the Council to:

1 Withdraw planning application LA06/2020/0530/F and go back to the drawing board before it’s too late and the unique character of the coastal path is lost for ever.

2 Use this significant investment to design and deliver another path – a proper fit-for-purpose direct cycle route from Bangor to Belfast, inland and safe from traffic and pedestrian interruption. 

We would also like to see an independent body, not the developer, commissioned to produce a thorough environmental report on the area with a view to protecting the coastal path – one of the borough’s most valuable assets.

Whether you walk or cycle along the coastal path, please help preserve its natural character and protect its wildlife.  Sign the petition and join our campaign For Another Path – a dedicated cycle path to be built inland, away from walkers, children and dogs.

Thank you for your time and support. Please share and read below for other ways to get involved and help shape our campaign!!

Other ways to help:

WRITE to Planning Department, 2 Church Street, Newtownards BT23 4AF  OR

EMAIL planning@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk (they will withhold your address if you ask).

QUOTE Planning Application LA06/2020/0530/F stating your objection, ask them to withdraw the application and commit to another path for cyclists.

CONTACT your local councillor or MLA with your concerns.

CONTRIBUTE your time, knowledge or expertise in helping us build a viable alternative cycling commuter route, contact us at:

Facebook: For Another Path, Website: foranotherpath.org or email foranotherpath@gmail.com