Mayor Fillmore proposes pause on construction of new bike lanes

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore is bringing forward a motion to council Tuesday that requests a pause on the construction of new bike lanes across the municipality.

The mayor is requesting the pause be implemented effective immediately until a staff report can be produced and discussion can take place on two key measures. He is requesting that staff provide a list of bike lane projects proposed in the four-year capital plan that could result in reduced vehicular traffic and assess the feasibility of alternative network solutions.

“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,” Mayor Fillmore wrote in a letter addressed to council that was posted on Reddit June 6.

“This isn’t a step backward,” he said. “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.”

Fillmore stated that the estimated cost for developing the AAA bike network is around $93 million, almost quadruple the original amount.

That comment sparked backlash from residents on the social media platform who claimed that constant delays in rolling out the infrastructure has led to the increased costs.

“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,” one user wrote.

Council will vote on the motion June 10.