Vigil held for cyclist killed on Belfast road

Gary McMahon was cycling to work when the crash happened

The cycling community, along with the friends and family of a man who died after a collision in north Belfast last month, have gathered for a vigil in his memory.

Gary McMahon, 58, was cycling to work, when the crash involving a lorry happened in the Clifton Street area.

He died at the scene.

Since then, there have been calls for safer cycle routes in the city.

Gary McMahon's family at the vigil for the cyclist

On Saturday afternoon, dozens of cyclists travelled from Writer's Square to Henry Place where candles and flowers were laid. Some people came and stood in silence for a moment.

Organisers of the event said they were united in both grief, for Mr McMahon and his family, and anger at the lack of protection for cyclists in many parts of Belfast.

Drew McWilliams, a great-nephew of Mr McMahon's, attended the vigil alongside his family.

"As a family we're all devastated," he said.

"The turnout today is amazing and just shows he has touched everyone.

"It's such a tragedy but out of a tragedy hopefully we have something good come out of it and bring a bit more awareness to the cycling community."

Meghan Hoyt from Belfast Cycle Campaign

Meghan Hoyt from the Belfast Cycle Campaign, who helped organise the vigil, said those in attendance were united in "grief, solidarity and anger".

"Grief that this has happened and anger that it was avoidable," she said.

"Belfast does not have safe cycling infrastructure and it needs the implementation of the Belfast Cycle Network which is a plan that has been around for over 10 years.

"We have seen very little movement in terms of safe cycling infrastructure in Belfast, so not just painted lanes on roads but proper safe cycling infrastructure so that people can be able to enjoy the city safely on a bike."

Cyclists travelled from Writer's Square to Henry Place

Cameron Clarke said he attended the vigil to "make a point".

"I think I've nearly been killed four or five times this year already," he told BBC News NI.

"It's important to come out today and say 'it needs to get better'.

"I live in a part of the city where there's ok infrastructure but if I lived in the north or the west of the city I would reconsider cycling."

Niamh Scullion says she cycles everywhere.

"It is dangerous, you always have to cycle defensively," she said.

"In fact, on the way down today I almost got squashed in between a car and a bus as the car was pulling out and I was in a cycle lane.

"It's definitely dangerous and we need to bring awareness to those dangers."

Cailan Bailes said he believes what happened to Gary, could have happened to anyone.

"I think just making cycle lanes mandatory rather than optional would make a huge difference just in terms of not having to pull out into the main road to get around cars," he said.

Cameron Clarke, Niamh Scullion and Cailan Bailes attended Saturday's vigil

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said they are working closely with police to assist in any investigation.

In a statement, they said: "The department is continuing to progress a number of cycling infrastructure improvements in accordance with the Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan".

The department also said it had been "undertaking engagement with key user groups in the development of these schemes before we commence statutory processes to implement legislation for new cycle routes.".