On your bike is Laura’s message

On your bike is Laura’s message

10 August 2022

A LOCAL politician is encouraging people to get on their bike and cycle to work.

Mournes councillor, Laura Devlin, wants people across the district to sign up for the cycle to work scheme which will also boost their health.

Cllr Devlin lives close to the dedicated new cycle lane linking Castlewellan and Newcastle and has used it to get to work on occasion.

She said former Stormont infrastructure minister, Nichola Mallon, spearheaded the provision of dedicated cycle lanes and explained that as a result of the scheme, she decided to purchase a bike and cycle while she can.

“I have two young children and a husband who works in Belfast, so cycling every day won’t be possible, but I am making the effort when I can,” Cllr Devlin explained.

“I have now cycled a few days, the sun has been shining and the scenery stunning. It was a really good way of switching off from work as well. Bu the climb up the hill back home was tougher than the morning commute but totally doable.”

Cllr Devlin said that prior to this, she presumed the cycle lanes were simply wider footpaths, but explained they are not. 

She continued: “They are so much more and, given the huge spike in fuel costs, the cycle to work 

scheme is worth considering. Many employers now offer this scheme which is essentially a tax break through a salary sacrifice arrangement and the cost is recovered from the employee's salary over 12 or 18 months.”