Every Turn of the Wheel is a Revolution: Towards the Development of a Cross-Border Greenways and Cycle-Route Network in the Irish Border Region

The multiple socio-economic benefits ascribed to cycling are increasingly recognised by politicians and policymakers on the island of Ireland. Although a network of greenways and long-distance cycle routes are under construction in many urban and rural areas, harnessing the numerous opportunities in the Irish border region remains under-developed. To progress the development of cycling infrastructure in the border region, it is asserted that local and national policy frameworks require strengthening and integration; that strategic coordination and master-planning processes should be initiated; and, innovative funding mechanisms are needed to enable on-the-ground delivery. Improved cross-border connectivity is considered a critical component in realising the promised ‘cycling revolution’ on the island.