Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore is proposing a motion to the city council that seeks to halt the construction of new bike lanes across the municipality. This motion is scheduled for discussion on Tuesday. Mayor Fillmore is advocating for an immediate pause in order to allow staff to prepare a report and facilitate discussions on two significant measures regarding the bike lane projects.
In his motion, Mayor Fillmore requests that staff provide a comprehensive list of proposed bike lane projects outlined in the four-year capital plan. He emphasizes the need to assess how these projects could potentially impact vehicular traffic. Additionally, he asks for an exploration of alternative solutions for the active transportation network that would not detrimentally affect the flow of buses, commercial vehicles, and private cars.
In a letter addressing the council, which was posted on Reddit on June 6, Mayor Fillmore stated, “The motion simply asks that we pause new contracts and receive a report listing projects that could impact traffic capacity, along with an exploration of alternative ways to meet our active transportation goals without compromising the flow of buses, commercial vehicles, and private automobiles.” He clarified his stance by asserting, “This isn’t a step backward. This is a step toward doing things more inclusively and in a way that meets the IMP goals of delivering a balanced, connected, equitable, and efficient mobility system that works for everyone.”
Recent discussions surrounding the bicycle infrastructure have gained attention due to the estimated cost of developing an All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bike network. Mayor Fillmore noted that the estimated financial requirement for this initiative has ballooned to approximately $93 million, a figure that is nearly four times higher than the original estimate.
The mayor's comments on the increased costs have triggered backlash from residents on social media platforms. Critics argue that prolonged delays in the implementation of bike lane infrastructure have contributed to skyrocketing expenses. One resident pointedly remarked, “Of course these things results don’t meet their targets. Because every time somebody brings up bike lanes, it’s study after study, delay after delay, pandering to incorrect information.”
The city council is set to vote on Mayor Fillmore's motion on June 10, signaling a critical juncture in the discussion surrounding the future of biking infrastructure in Halifax.
