Halifax mayor to propose pause on construction of new bike lanes

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore is putting forward a motion to pause future bike lane construction.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore is bringing forward a motion to regional council next week to pause the construction of new bike lanes in the municipality.

The motion is asking council to immediately pause awarding any contracts for new bike lane designs or construction capital projects until a staff report is completed.

The motion says the report would provide a list of bike lane projects proposed in the current four-year capital plan that could reduce traffic capacity or increase traffic congestion, and assess the “feasibility of alternative network solutions” that could achieve active transportation goals while maintaining or improve the current flow of traffic.

In an open letter, Fillmore said he is bringing forward the motion in response to “growing public concern over worsening traffic congestion and rapidly increasing bike lane infrastructure costs.”

“This motion is not about stopping progress,” Fillmore said in the letter. “It’s about sequencing progress properly. Right now, we’re seeing road space reduced before alternatives like reliable transit or safe, connected bike routes are in place.

“Beyond the obvious frustration and quality of life factors experienced by Halifax residents, congestion also harms economic productivity and increases vehicle emissions. That’s not sustainable planning.”

Councillor Shawn Cleary is calling for data proving bike lanes are causing traffic congestion.

“Every bicycle that is on the road is a car that is off the road, so in fact getting more people on bicycles, getting more people on transit, getting more people walking reduces congestion,” he said.

Fillmore claims the AAA bike network, which was originally projected to cost $25 million, is now estimated to cost more than $93 million.

Premier Tim Houston voiced his support for the motion in a written statement, saying “traffic congestion is a problem.”

Council will vote on the motion at their Tuesday meeting.

-With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jesse Thomas

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