Halifax mayor defends motion to temporarily pause new bike lane infrastructure

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore is standing by his decision to propose a motion at the upcoming regional council meeting to temporarily halt the awarding of new design and construction contracts for bike lanes. This move comes in response to concerns raised by residents and business owners regarding increasing traffic congestion and rising costs associated with the AAA (all ages and abilities) bicycle network project.

In a memo posted on Reddit, Fillmore explained that the municipality is falling short of delivering a balanced and efficient mobility system as outlined in its integrated mobility plan. He emphasized the importance of building cycling infrastructure in a way that does not alienate other road users, such as bus drivers, delivery drivers, and individuals who rely on cars for transportation.

The mayor clarified that the pause on new contracts only applies to tenders that have not yet been awarded. While $16 million has already been spent on the project, the budget has ballooned to $93 million, leaving a significant funding gap to be covered by the municipal tax rate. Fillmore stated that ongoing construction will continue, but future projects identified in the capital budget will be put on hold pending further review.

David Trueman, chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, criticized Fillmore’s proposal as misguided and urged residents to voice their opposition to their regional councillors. Trueman argued that delaying cycling infrastructure projects could lead to significant setbacks and increased costs in the long run. He emphasized that the maintenance costs associated with cycling infrastructure are minimal compared to road maintenance expenses.

Trueman also raised concerns about the political motivations behind Fillmore’s proposal, suggesting that the mayor may be trying to exploit the divisive nature of the issue for political gain. Despite potential opposition, Trueman highlighted Halifax’s strong track record in active transportation and urged against jeopardizing the city’s progress in this area.

Overall, the debate over the temporary pause on bike lane contracts underscores the complex challenges of balancing the needs of different road users and ensuring sustainable and inclusive transportation infrastructure in Halifax. Residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to weigh in on this issue as it moves forward for consideration at the regional council meeting.