Encouraging sustainable and healthy modes of transportation, this programme seeks to redesign urban mobility, reducing pollution and making the city safer and more accessible for all.
Recent shifts in urban planning and public space utilisation highlight a transformative approach to health and city resilience. Cities worldwide have rapidly adapted to new social norms by modifying infrastructure and public areas that were traditionally resistant to change. This adaptability showcases the connection between health and urban planning, emphasising the potential for enhanced city living.
One of the significant urban adaptations has been the reduction in traffic, which not only alleviates environmental pollution but also promotes public well-being. Modern housing developments are increasingly incorporating spaces suitable for remote working, reflecting a move towards more flexible living arrangements. The challenge now is to ensure the permanence of these beneficial changes.
Transportation habits are also evolving, with cities encouraging more sustainable travel options.
Simple measures like reallocating street space can dramatically alter travel behaviours, promoting cycling and walking while reducing reliance on vehicular transport. Such initiatives not only make cities safer by reducing pollution but also foster environments that support healthier lifestyles.
Healthier travel choices benefit people, communities and the environment. By supporting active journeys and improving access to transport, we can help create a healthier, more inclusive Belfast.
Walking, cycling and other active journeys bring movement into everyday life, helping people of all ages build healthier habits and support their health and wellbeing through regular daily physical activity.
Reducing reliance on cars helps cut traffic pollution, creating cleaner air and more pleasant streets for everyone who lives, works or spends time in Belfast, while supporting a healthier environment.
Welcoming streets and reliable transport help people reach friends, family and local activities, strengthening community connections and reducing isolation across Belfast’s neighbourhoods.
Affordable, accessible & reliable travel helps people reach healthcare, education, employment & essential services, supporting greater independence & opportunities for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Urban planning can create healthier, fairer cities by rethinking public space. Transforming parking areas into pedestrian zones and recreation spaces encourages physical activity, improves safety and strengthens community connections. Flexible working can also reduce traffic and air pollution. These changes should benefit everyone without widening inequalities. Placing health and wellbeing at the centre of planning decisions supports people of all ages and abilities, helping create accessible, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods where communities can connect, stay active and enjoy healthier lives.
Launched in 2025, Belfast Healthy Cities’ report explores how limited access to affordable, safe & reliable transport contributes to health inequalities & social exclusion across Northern Ireland. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, community feedback & data analysis, it examines rural isolation, car dependency, financial pressures & barriers to active travel. The report also highlights how gender, disability & geography shape transport experiences, revealing the challenges people face in reaching essential services, accessing opportunities & maintaining their health, wellbeing & social connections.
Urban planning can create healthier, fairer cities by rethinking public space. Transforming parking areas into pedestrian zones and recreation spaces encourages physical activity, improves safety and strengthens community connections. Flexible working can also reduce traffic and air pollution. These changes should benefit everyone without widening inequalities. Placing health and wellbeing at the centre of planning decisions supports people of all ages and abilities, helping create accessible, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods where communities can connect, stay active and enjoy healthier lives.
We have developed a Walking Bus Toolkit which can be delivered as an optional add on to the schools resource, or used as a stand alone guide.
A walking bus is a group of children walking part or all of their journey to school supervised by teachers and/or parents. The start of the route is usually located less than one mile from the school and in a suitable alternative drop-off location for those that normally use the car to travel to school, as well as providing additional support to children who may be too young, or feel the walking environment is unsafe, to walk to school.
Belfast Healthy Cities worked in partnership with expert advisors to the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), for Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland; the Care Zone Project team; the Care Zone Community Champions; Youth Education health and advice (YEHA); and, primary schools to jointly develop and trial walking buses in the Care Zone area in north Belfast.
The aim of the Walking Bus Pilot was to:
We blend global knowledge with local experience to help Belfast make smarter, healthier choices for today and tomorrow.
On Thursday 7th May 2026, voters across England will elect over 4,850 councillors. A significant electoral moment for elected members to place health and wellbeing at the heart of local governance. A political briefing document is available here. At a time of significant reform and
Over 60 representatives from across local government, academia, community and voluntary sectors gathered in Belfast for a workshop focused on ending violence against women and girls in open and public spaces. Hosted by Belfast Healthy Cities and supported by Belfast City Council, the event brought
As an Infrastructure Delivery Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, I had the great opportunity to travel from Belfast to Brno- Czech Republic, through the Belfast Healthy Cities Explorer Bursary. My aim was to better understand how cities can tackle transport poverty through more inclusive,
Explore our other programmes and discover how Belfast Healthy Cities is creating healthier, greener and more inclusive communities, tackling health inequalities, supporting wellbeing and improving quality of life across Belfast.
Discover how our Greening the City programme at Belfast Healthy Cities creates healthier, greener spaces and more sustainable communities across Belfast.
Discover how we support stronger, healthier communities across Belfast by tackling inequalities, empowering residents and improving opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Learn how we provide training and resources to individuals & organisations, equipping them with the tools to implement health-promoting practices.Â
Discover how over the last 35 years, the WHO European Healthy Cities Network has been a platform for inspiration and learning for European cities.
Latest news, insights, events and updates from our work.
People, communities and partners creating a healthier, more equitable and sustainable Belfast. Through collaboration, shared knowledge and action, we’re helping to improve health, reduce inequalities and create positive change across the city. Together, we’re building a Belfast where everyone has the opportunity to live well.
