A replacement ghost bike has been installed on the A2 at Cultra, marking the site where cyclist David Catherwood was killed ten years ago and drawing renewed attention to the lack of a safe cycling connection between Bangor and Belfast.

Mr Catherwood, aged 61, died on 19 July 2016 after being struck by a motorist on the dual carriageway. An original ghost bike appeared shortly afterwards but had fallen into disrepair. The Ards and North Down Cycling Campaign, with the approval of Mr Catherwood’s family, placed a new memorial bicycle at the location.

Councillor Carl McClean said he had raised cyclists’ concerns with the Department for Infrastructure but seen little response. He called on the department to take action if it genuinely wants people to switch from cars, describing the road as unsafe for cycling.

Nathan Booth of Park Pedal CIC stated that a decade on, no safe cycling link between the two towns had been delivered. He noted that plans for a coastal greenway were dropped in 2023 and that campaigners were now working on proposals for an inland route from Crawfordsburn to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, linking with railway stations.

North Down Assembly member Peter Martin attended the unveiling. He observed the heavy traffic passing the group and saw two cyclists using the road during the short ceremony.

Mr Catherwood’s widow, Janet, expressed the hope that the memorial would contribute to preventing further fatalities and reiterated the need for safer cycling infrastructure.

Since his death, an annual David Catherwood Memorial Sportive has been held, raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity. The event features 61‑mile and 34‑mile routes, reflecting his age and his memory, and is complemented by a 5k memorial walk organised by the family.