More split opinions over Halifax bike lane project

The debate over bike lanes on Morris Street in Halifax continues.

As the debate over whether Morris Street in Halifax should be made a one-way for bike lanes continues, the owner of a bookstore located on the street, has a strong stance on the matter.

“I think it’s a good idea. The last council debated it, did all sorts of research, took in input from the port, from the hospital, from everyone around. And they passed it, I think it’s a good idea,” says Chris Green, the owner of Atlantic News.

A focal point in the debate seems to be whether making Morris Street a one-way will increase traffic congestion.

Green says it’s obvious the change will only help that concern.

“If you improve bike lanes, (that means) more people rid(ing) bikes, less people in cars. So, it will help congestion,” he says.

But Dave Buffet, the president of HRM’S Taxi Association, calls the plan a “failed experiment,” and says his drivers aren’t happy about it.

“We get complaints all the time, (saying) ‘Dave, what are they doing and can we do anything about this Dave? Can we fight them on it?’ says Buffet.

“I think it’s a really poor idea. I think it should have been tested on the drawing board, so to speak.”

Buffet argues people will face delays getting to their destination, as drivers face delays getting to them.

“We’re potentially going to drive by more passengers and say ‘oh gosh, I missed that address. Now I’ve got all the way around the block,’” says Buffet. “That could easily add another five minutes to the wait time, which is significant. That could be 50 per cent more than if we hadn’t missed it.”

Meanwhile, from a business standpoint, Green isn’t worried about the project affecting his store.

Though even he admits it will take time for everyone to adjust.

“Any sort of change at the beginning will cause ripples, certainly, but I think in the long run for this city, it’s a good idea.”

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