Cycling coalition ‘disappointed’ by census numbers on cycling rates in Halifax

By Katie Hartai

The Halifax Cycling Coalition says it's disappointed but not surprised cycling rates in Halifax have barely moved since the mid-90s.

Journey to work data was released Wednesday from the 2016 census.

While the census shows other cities across Canada have seen a steady increase in the number of people using a bicycle as a primary mode of transportation, Halifax sat at 1.1 per cent in 2016 compared to 1 per cent in 1996.

Executive director of the Cycling Coalition Kelsey Lane says the low growth is because of minimal cycling infrastructure in the city. 

“It's not really surprising because Halifax hasn't invested in making any bicycle infrastructure in the city, so again it's disappointing but it's not surprised,” said Lane. 

Lane says the census data shows the municipality needs to invest in cycling infrastructure before the number of cyclists will increase.

She says that time could begin Dec. 5 when the first draft of the integrated mobility plan will be brought to regional council. 

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