A DECADE after cyclist David Catherwood was knocked down and killed on the Bangor to Belfast dual carriageway, the road remains unsafe for cyclists, a local councillor has warned.
The stark message came as family, friends and cycling campaigners gathered on the A2 at Cultra to unveil a replacement ghost bike marking the 10th anniversary of Mr Catherwood’s death and renew calls for improved cycling infrastructure between Bangor and Belfast.
North Down Assemblyman Peter Martin and councillor Carl McClean joined members of the Ards and North Down Cycling Campaign, Park Pedal CIC and Mr Catherwood’s family for the poignant ceremony.
Mr McClean said: “I’ve highlighted several issues raised by cyclists to the Department for Infrastructure, with little action.
“The department needs to step up if it’s serious about getting people out of their cars, as this road – as Mr Catherwood’s tragic death demonstrates – is not safe for cyclists.”
Mr Catherwood, a much-loved husband, father, brother and friend, was a respected member of the Cycle4Christ Cycling Club when he was killed by a motorist on July 19, 2016, aged 61.
A ghost bike was placed at the scene shortly after his death by an unknown person, becoming a lasting memorial. After falling into disrepair over the past decade, it has now been replaced by the Ards and North Down Cycling Campaign with the family’s approval.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mr Catherwood’s widow, Janet, said she hoped the new memorial would ‘help save somebody else’ and stressed the need for safer cycling infrastructure.
Family friend Clifford McKechnie described the anniversary as ‘a difficult day for the family and those people who had the privilege of having David in their lives’.
Recalling his friend, he said: “What a guy, what a husband, what a father, what a friend to have, you couldn’t have asked for a better husband or friend.
“Thank you for the memories, for the life that you shared with us and the memories you have given us.”
Nathan Booth, of Park Pedal CIC, said the anniversary highlighted the lack of progress in creating a safe cycling route between Bangor and Belfast.
“It is a poignant day,” he said. “We don’t want another ghost bike in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Booth said campaigners were now developing proposals for an inland greenway linking Crawfordsburn with the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum after plans for a multi-million- pound coastal greenway were abandoned in 2023.
“Ten years ago this tragedy happened on one of the busiest roads in the country. Ten years on and they are no further to getting that (cycling) link between Bangor to Belfast,” he said.
He added that the proposed inland route would connect with railway stations and provide cyclists with a safer commuting option.
Mr Martin said standing beside the busy A2 during the ceremony had underlined the dangers cyclists still face.
“The 10th anniversary of the tragic death of David Catherwood was a very poignant event on Saturday located along the stretch of the Bangor to Belfast A2 at Cultra,” he said.
“My thanks to the Ards and North Down Cycle Campaign for the invitation and also the presentation of a new ghost bike to mark the spot on his death.
“As we stood along the pavement I was struck by the sheer volume of traffic which was passing as we were standing there and yet we saw two brave cyclists pass us on the road.
“I want to thank both Stephen McCrory and Nathan Booth for organising the event and I know it was both an emotional and reflective time for the family. I will continue to work with the Ards and North Down Cycle Campaign on making North Down a safer and more family friendly place to cycle.”
Since Mr Catherwood’s death, his memory has been honoured through the annual David Catherwood Memorial Sportive, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity.
The event begins at Movilla Abbey Church in Newtownards and includes a 61-mile route to Portaferry, reflecting Mr Catherwood’s age when he died, as well as a shorter 34-mile route to Ballywalter. His family also organise a 5k memorial walk and provide refreshments for cyclists on their return.
