Halifax Council Sends University Avenue Bike Lane Redesign to Committees for Further Review
Halifax Regional Council voted 15-2 to refer a proposed redesign of University Avenue bike lanes to city committees, seeking feedback on cheaper alternatives to the original $3.5 million plan. Construction is not scheduled until 2028.
Halifax Regional Council has voted to send a proposed redesign of University Avenue bike lanes to city committees for further consultation and feedback. The decision aims to explore less expensive alternatives to the original bikeway design, which carries an estimated construction cost of $3.5 million, including lighting and contingency.
The motion passed with a 15-2 vote. Mayor Andy Fillmore and Councillor Trish Purdy were the only two council members who voted against referring the matter to committees. Both argued that the referral could open the door to redesigns, increased costs, and project delays. However, municipal staff indicated that the committee referral would not delay the project, as construction is not scheduled to begin until 2028.
A staff report identified eight potential alternatives for seven bikeway segments that could reduce construction costs by approximately $9.7 million to $11.4 million across the broader network. The report highlighted significant price differences between infrastructure types: on-road bike lanes with concrete curbs are estimated to cost approximately $1,100 per metre, compared to $4,500 per metre for raised, protected bike lanes. While the staff report noted trade-offs where certain facilities may reduce costs but might not appeal to all users, cycling advocates have raised safety concerns.
Halifax Cycling Coalition Chair David Trueman supported the move to seek public feedback but argued that the $3.5 million cost is small compared to the municipality’s $140 million roads budget. The coalition contends that abandoning the "all ages and abilities" (AAA) standard compromises safety, describing it as a euphemism for unsafe infrastructure.
The debate will now proceed to the city’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee and Transportation Standing Committee before returning to council for a final decision.