Getting a bike

The essential ingredient - Anything from a 'racer' to a mountain bike will do, but both ends of the spectrum have their limitations.  Useful accessories include mudguards to avoid a wet black streak up your back, and toeclips/clipless pedals to improve efficiency.  You probably already have or can borrow a bike suited to local cycling.

Explore your neighbourhood

The bike is ideal for exploring your area: You cover more ground than walking but you still have time to take in your surrounds unlike car travel.  The slightly higher eye level with most cycles lets you see the world from a new angle.

Cycle paths

These traffic free routes are ideal for leisurely cycling.  Sustrans are building and encouraging a network of cyclepaths connected by low traffic roads.  currently, the main paths in Belfast are to Newtownabbey and along the Lagan towpath. 

Other routes out of Belfast

For the first ten miles, the cyclist is forced to choose between quiet hilly roads and busy main roads.  Further out the choice you can branch off into the network of minor roads.

Further afield

Once clear of the city you will find a network of, mostly traffic free, minor roads.  An Ordanance Survey 1:50,000 map is the best way to plot a route.