To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how she will encourage the uptake of e-Bikes.

As the Member will be aware, I introduced legislation in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 12th May 2020, which made cycling an e-bike on public roads legal, without the need for registration or licensing. This was a major contribution to encouraging the uptake of e-bikes and, the media has reported a surge in demand for both standard bikes and electric bikes since then.

I want to create safer conditions that will encourage more people to replace their everyday journeys by an active and sustainable method of travel where possible whether walking, cycling or using an e-bike.

The Covid crisis has brought unprecedented challenges and has fundamentally changed the way we live. There is no doubt that it has also created an opportunity for us all to take a closer look at how we travel and consider how we can do things better moving forward.

My Department will continue to encourage and support active travel choices, including all types of cycling, and related initiatives through our public information campaigns and social media messages.