March 26, 2026
David Trueman of the Halifax Cycling Coalition presents to the Transportation Standing Committee, arguing that the Integrated Mobility Plan update sets a dangerously low sustainable mobility target that would result in 73% more vehicles on Halifax roads by 2050 even if the plan succeeds. Pointing to Vancouver, Montreal, and Victoria as proof that 50% sustainable mobility share is achievable, he calls on the committee to send the IMP update back for revision targeting 50% sustainable mobility modal share.
March 26, 2026
Derek Belmore presents on behalf of the Halifax Cycling Coalition to the Transportation Standing Committee, arguing that Halifax’s Bus Rapid Transit plan is badly off track six years in with very little built, and that the cancellations of the Spring Garden Road pilot and Windsor Street bus priority have been significant setbacks. Drawing on 2021 census data showing 81.5% of HRM residents drive, he calls on the committee to commission a staff report on BRT progress and to pursue interim painted bus lanes with full transit signal priority on key corridors as a fast, affordable path to modal shift.
March 26, 2026
The long awaited IMP Update is weak and raises many concerns. With an ambition of only 30% modal share for sustainable mobility, it dooms us to 73% more vehicles on the streets of HRM.
March 12, 2026
The Halifax Cycling Coalition says it continues to face political pushback but remains committed to advocating for safer cycling in the city. This issue highlights concerns about a proposed deferral of cycling infrastructure funding during the municipal budget process and a provincial decision to allow high-occupancy vehicles in bus lanes, which the group says undermines sustainable transportation. The newsletter also recaps the Coldest Day of the Year Ride, invites members to a casual Meet the Board event, and shares advocacy updates on the Almon Street cycling connection and input on regulations for Nova Scotia’s new Traffic Safety Act. It also includes winter bike maintenance tips, a call for beta testers for the Cycling Guide app launching province-wide this summer, volunteer opportunities with the Halifax Cycling Coalition and Blue Nose Marathon, and recommended reading and videos about cycling safety and infrastructure.
February 26, 2026
David Trueman of the Halifax Cycling Coalition presents to the Transportation Standing Committee, arguing that with cycling infrastructure under political pressure and road injuries at an all-time high, every dollar must deliver maximum impact. He proposes a five-factor scoring framework weighing safety improvements, population served, equity, network connectivity, and destinations, and calls on the committee to direct staff to develop a formal prioritization methodology so the highest-value projects are built first.
February 20, 2026
In case you haven’t been keeping up, we are in the thick of municipal budget season and Council is threatening to defer further progress on safe bike lane construction and downgrade safety standards so that concrete barriers might be replaced with paint.
February 20, 2026
HCC writes HRM Council imploring them to maintain the safe bike lane construction budget. At 0.5% of the 2026-2027 transportation capital budget, it makes no sense to focus on this small line item which delivers value out of proportion to the cost, not to mention saving lives.
February 2, 2026
HCC, jointly with Walk ‘n Roll Halifax, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Nova Scotia Chapter, Cycling Nova Scotia, and Ecology Action Centre writes to representatives of the NS Dept of Public Works with our recommendations fo rregulations to accompany the new Traffic Safety Act.
January 26, 2026
HCC writes HRM Council imploring them to stay the course on Morris St. We ask them not to give in to Houston’s bullying and not to obey in advance. We take strong exception to the staff report and recommendations.
January 22, 2026
Talan Iscan of the Halifax Cycling Coalition presents to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, arguing that HRM’s decision-making on bike lane infrastructure accounts for costs but ignores measurable benefits. Drawing on HRM’s own 2025 Road Safety Report and evidence that safe cycling infrastructure yields a return of $2 to $4 for every dollar spent, he calls on HRM to require all future bike lane projects to formally weigh safety, health, and societal benefits alongside construction costs.
December 1, 2025
Public Enemy??! It’s hard to believe, but here we are, working to make Halifax safer, healthier, and more connected, while the provincial government seems to have singled out cycling advocates as the “enemy.” From Premier Houston’s interventions on Morris Street to the handling of the Joint Regional Transportation Agency report, it’s clear they see us as a problem to be managed rather than a community to support. In this issue, we introduce our new Executive Director Eyram Amedzor, provide updates on advocacy including the Traffic Safety Act and bike signal improvements, recap I Light HFX, share news from the Board of Directors, offer winter cycling tips, highlight the Cycling Guide app, volunteer opportunities, and a holiday book list, and point you to what we’re reading and watching this month.
November 27, 2025
Talan Iscan of the Halifax Cycling Coalition presents to the Transportation Standing Committee, arguing that HRM treats separated bike lanes as a pure cost with no known benefits, despite evidence that safe cycling infrastructure yields $2 to $5 in societal returns for every dollar spent. Citing HRM’s own 2025 Road Safety Report and the death of Halifax cyclist Adriana Dean, he calls on the committee to commission a staff report requiring all future bike lane projects to formally weigh safety, health, and environmental benefits alongside construction costs.
October 1, 2025
Crazy summer! This season has been full of highs, lows, and everything in between. From young champions like five-year-old Pebble writing her own letter to Premier Houston, to ten-year-old Torin making a blockbuster speech at the rally, our cycling community has shown incredible passion and resilience. Mayor Fillmore even got a ride on the back of Bike Mayor Steve MacKay’s bike after skipping the annual Mayor’s Ride. Together, we successfully defended progress on our minimal connected bike network, resisted attempts to halt Brunswick Street bike lanes, and held firm even as Premier Houston intervened. In this issue, you’ll find updates on advocacy including the new Traffic Safety Act, upcoming rides and workshops, news from the Board of Directors, cycling tips for fall conditions, the Cycling Guide app, volunteer opportunities, and what we’re reading and watching this month.
August 3, 2025
HCC writes HRM Council imploring them to stay the course on Morris St. We ask them not to give in to Houston’s bullying and not to obey in advance. We take strong exception to the staff report and recommendations.
August 2, 2025
HCC writes to Premier Houston regarding his threat to overturn HRM Council’s decision regarding Morris St. We point out the obvious parallel with Ontario and the court decision there declaring that making arbitrary decisions that threaten people’s right to safety is a violation of the Charter of Rights.
August 1, 2025
Houston, we have a problem! Premier Houston has issued an ultimatum to HRM over the Morris Street cycleway, and Mayor Fillmore is going along with it rather than defending the city’s right to decide its own future. This is a serious challenge to local democracy and to the safety and convenience of cycling in Halifax. In this issue, we outline how you can take action with letters and social media, share details about the upcoming Critical Mass ride, introduce our new “One Question, One Minute” video project, highlight upcoming events, provide cycling tips, give an update on the Cycling Guide app, call for volunteers, and share what we’re reading and watching this month.
July 17, 2025
Premier Houston has threatened to overturn HRM Council’s decision on Morris St. This is about more than bike lanes on Morris St. It is a threat to our local democracy and evidence -based decision making. Martyn Williams covers this and more in his letter to Premier Houston.
July 6, 2025
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Council considers a staff report for alternatives to the previously approved plan for Morris St. We write in hope to preserve a viable solution.
July 1, 2025
Immense gratitude! I am so proud of our community and the incredible response to our Call to Action and the Bike Rally. Hundreds of well-written, personalized letters reached the Mayor and Councillors, and councillors noted how thoughtful and polite they were compared with letters from opponents. The Bike Rally, organized by Steve MacKay and supported by HCC, drew around 350 participants and featured short speeches from multiple perspectives. In this issue, you’ll also find upcoming events to kick off your summer rides, news about our Board of Directors, a review of the Bird micromobility share, Halifax’s slip in the 2025 People for Bikes city rankings, advocacy updates, cycling tips, the launch of the Cycling Guide app, volunteer opportunities, and what we’re reading and watching this month.
June 9, 2025
Councillors, please vote against Mayor Fillmore’s motion and maintain momentum on many worthwhile projects. There is no emergency which would justify suspension of normal procedure.
June 6, 2025
Mayor Fillmore has called for all new cycling infrastructure to be suspended. We urge everyone to write their councillor to oppose this misguided motion.
May 26, 2025
As of May 15th, Bird’s fleet of e-scooters and e-bikes have landed on the streets of Halifax, part of a two-year micromobility pilot project put on by the city. In this opinion piece, Tom Worthington decided to take them on a test ride, and give his impressions.
May 25, 2025
In the view of the HCC, none of the currently designated LSBs in Halifax (a partial list includes Isleville Street, Northwood Terrace and Creighton Street, Maynard Street and Fuller Terrace, Vernon Street) meet HRM’s own criteria.
LSBs that meet the design criteria set out by the NACTO guidelines could serve as one part of an integrated, connected bike network in HRM. However, it remains the position of the HCC that separated, protected bike lanes are the gold standard for bicycle infrastructure and should form the backbone of the bike network for HRM.
May 25, 2025
The Report lists financial costs but completely ignores the costs in terms of lives lost, injuries, and traumas suffered by people cycling on our streets due to a lack of safe cycling infrastructure. It attributes all the anticipated adjustments to Halifax’s infrastructure (to the construction of bicycle facilities rather than recognizing that many of the costs are to avoid impact to motorized vehicles.
May 1, 2025
The recent municipal election has reshaped council, and this issue looks at what the results could mean for cycling and active transportation in Halifax. We also share updates from our advocacy work, including current policy files and where members can get involved. You will find information on the upcoming Annual General Meeting, Pedal Poll counts, and a review of Bird e-bikes and scooters now operating in the city. There is also a summary of the State of the Network presentation by municipal staff, an update on the Cycling Guide app, volunteer opportunities with HCC, and a selection of recommended reading and watching.
April 5, 2025
Bill 24 that was just passed in the NS legislature gives strong executive powers to the minister of public works on all matters of transportation, including within Halifax. We have written to the Minister to express our concerns, and requested that the Province make the Joint Regional Transportation Agency and Active Transportation Strategy reports public.
April 5, 2025
17 HRM cycling groups were given 5 minutes each to make their pitch to a friendly audience. The evening was energizing and incredibly informative. Here are their slides.
April 4, 2025
Whether you do it on your own or seek help, here’s some great advice and resources courtesy of Jen Parker, co-organizer of Kidical Mass Halifax.
April 1, 2025
View from the Saddle: Roll into Spring! After a long, icy February, it’s finally spring and our bike counters show more people riding every day. This month, we’re kicking off our Roll into Spring series with the State of the Network presentation, updates on the MacDonald Bridge Bikeway, and opportunities to share your vision for a healthier, more liveable Halifax. We also highlight ways to teach kids to ride, introduce our upcoming Cycling Guide app, and look ahead to volunteer opportunities at the Bluenose Marathon and beyond. In this issue, you’ll find all the details to stay engaged, stay safe, and keep our city rolling on two wheels.
March 3, 2025
This issue covers a mix of advocacy updates, events, and practical cycling news. It opens with reflections on current transportation politics and what provincial decisions could mean for active transportation in HRM. There are calls to action around the Midtown Bikeways engagement, updates on ongoing advocacy priorities, and opportunities to get involved. You’ll also find details on upcoming rides and events, safety tips for spring cycling, job and volunteer postings, and a preview of new tools and resources aimed at making everyday cycling in Halifax easier and safer.
March 2, 2025
Safety improvements along Liverpool Street for people walking, rolling, and cycling are urgently needed, especially at intersection crossings. Given the ongoing and expected population growth in the broader neighbourhood, the need for a safe infrastructure for all vulnerable road users will be needed along Liverpool as well as in the surrounding streets. A protected bike lane along the entirety of Almon Street is urgently needed to meet the safety needs of people cycling.
January 28, 2025
A call for external consultants to develop a Vulnerable Road Safety Action Plan and other urgent actions.
January 28, 2025
It is sad that staff have spent so many years developing a design that does not meet the original objectives given by Council nor the principles of the Integrated Mobility Plan. In particular, the lack of dedicated bus lanes in the northbound direction represent an utter failure. The diminishing share of costs borne by federal and provincial governments and port authority make us question why HRM priorities are not first in line.
January 26, 2025
Multi-use pathways (MUPs) require people walking, rolling and cycling to share the same space. MUPs are used as a substitute for separate and protected bike lanes even though they are unsuitable in most of our urban corridors and high-volume contexts: they prioritise vehicle use, delay modal shift in the municipality, and fuel pedestrian-cyclist conflicts. It is the HCC position that bicycle infrastructure in urban settings be separated from people walking and rolling, and protected from vehicle traffic.
January 26, 2025
Results of the latest HRM survey of residents have been released. At least one councillor observed that the survey is racially biased in that 90% of respondents are white. It is also biased by age with those under 24 underrepresented (2% respondents vs 11% of the population) and seniors over-represented (32% of respondents vs 21% of the population). We don’t know if the sampling was seriously biased in other dimensions as that data is not provided. In the Advocacy section, more problems with the survey are exposed.
December 20, 2024
Reflecting on the successes of the past year and memberships which help us achieve them. The good, bad and ugly of the new HRM Council decisions to continue or discontinue relevant staff reports. Monthly cycling tips focussing on safer winter cycling.
November 22, 2024
We produced this video for the 2024 election but the message doesn’t age: Halifax is a biking city. We wanted an upbeat message for general consumption, so we highlighted the Statscan report that Halifax is second only to Victoria in the proportion of commuters who use active transportation. And, we have the fastest growing rate in Canada.
November 22, 2024
It’s about time the Traffic Safety Act, passed with all-party support in 2018, was proclaimed. And, we’ve just published a draft policy on Multi-use paths (MUPs) for feedback.
October 22, 2024
We now have the overwhelming majority of Council on the record as supporting cycling and sustainable mobility. We’re not naive — we realize that it still needs to translate into tangible support.
The situation in Ontario is grim with the provincial government using bike lanes as a wedge issue. Find out why this matters to us.
October 17, 2024
We have published the results from our Candidate Survey and we reference coverage from the Halifax Examiner and Ecology Action Centre.
October 17, 2024
At 12.3% active transportation modal share, Halifax is second only to Victoria of all the Canadian major metropolitan areas. Hiils? Bad weather? Not stopping Haligonians. Think what we can do with a safe, connected network for cycling and improved road safety measures for everyone outside cars and trucks.
Plus lots of election resources to help you to vote for supportive candidates.
October 17, 2024
A review of July events and lots of August events to take in!
October 17, 2024
Lots of July events to enjoy!
Advocacy update: Despite a strong advocacy campaign supported by local organizations and media, the staff plan for the Windsor Street Exchange was approved as is, prioritizing vehicle traffic over sustainable transportation options.
September 16, 2024
Talan Işcan presented to the Transportation Standing Committee on July 25, 2024 in support of the Coburg Rd. multi-use path west of Oxford St. This project will form a vital connector within the Urban Belt Greenway. Doing it at this time in conjunction with a Halifax Water project makes it very cost effective.
September 15, 2024
HRM staff preliminary design for cycling infrastructure on University and Morris passes at Transportation Standing Committee but passing full Council should not be taken for granted.
September 14, 2024
Why is HRM borrowing to finance road construction but not to accelerate cycling infrastructure?
May 30, 2024
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on May 16th. You can read the full presentation which has a good retrospective on the year past. We held elections for Directors…
July 29, 2023
City Council has recently approved a pilot two-year bike share and micro-mobility share scheme, which is expected to commence in 2024. We welcome this decision and look forward to sharing our streets with more people…
June 23, 2022
Jen Parker, the organizer of Kidical Mass Halifax, explains the importance of these rides.
August 23, 2021
The Halifax Cycling Coalition and the Halifax Bicycle Mayor condemn the Halifax Regional Police’s use of bicycles as barricades and as weapons.
August 10, 2021
During the Nova Scotia provincial election campaign, the Halifax Cycling Coalition is asking candidates to commit to the following active transportation priorities.
March 29, 2021
I don’t think “all abilities” is the right term. It’s inaccurate and it’s misleading. I know it’s tempting to come up with fun alliterative phrases like “all ages and abilities”, but I think accuracy, accountability, and inclusion are even more fun.
August 18, 2020
If you’re a student in the HRM who likes to bike – in any way, shape or form – cycling infrastructure and advocacy can make it easier and more comfortable for you.
August 6, 2020
New and improved bike infrastructure in the HRM should be accessible and comfortable to use for people of All Ages and Abilities (AAA Infrastructure). This means that every person on a bike, with any level of experience or confidence in traffic, is comfortable getting around the city.
August 6, 2020
Ongoing infrastructure projects and improvements are mostly those proposed in the Integrated Mobility Plan. City council has adopted the IMP, and the building of the “minimum grid” of cycling routes on the map below should be completed by 2022.
August 6, 2020
In 2017, the HRM approved the “Integrated Mobility Plan” (IMP). In the IMP there is a clear mandate for HRM to implement for inclusive infrastructure and “Design complete streets for all ages, abilities and travel options.”
August 6, 2020
A Connected Bike Network Our vision is that Halifax will be the safest city in North America to ride a bicycle…
April 6, 2019
Through the Eco Counter online platform, data from the bicycle and pedestrian counters is automatically transmitted to the webpage and is publicly accessible.
August 10, 2018
Since 2014 the Halifax Cycling Coalition has been working with the North End Business Association (NEBA) to advocate for streetscaping and traffic calming measures to be applied on Agricola Street.
August 1, 2018
We have developed a collision card that can be kept in a wallet so you have it with you in case you need it.
July 27, 2017
The Halifax Cycling Coalition has been pushing the Provincial Government to reform the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) along with our partners Bicycle Nova Scotia, the Ecology Action Centre, the Atlantic Active Alliance, and Walk N’ Roll Halifax.
October 18, 2016
We’ve partnered with the world’s largest bike registry, Project 529 Garage, to create a local bike registration. Registering your bike will reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of recovery if it is stolen.
November 6, 2015
Unfortunately, the city has been slow to confirm plans or start building this infrastructure, which is essential for bike accessibility and the safety of people on bikes using the bridge.
February 23, 2015
The Halifax Cycling Coalition is asking you to voice your opinion on the state of Halifax’s street and sidewalk plowing, and support our call for better snow-clearing equipment.
February 28, 2012
In Halifax cycling in the winter can be a bit tricky and a bit messy — but that doesn’t mean it’s just for the hardcore cyclists! With a little extra attention to your riding technique and some consideration of your clothing and gear choice, you too can ride your bike year-round!
February 28, 2012
There are plenty of tips and tricks you can practice to make every ride safer and more enjoyable. Check out the tips below! If you’re looking for more specific legal and technical advice, these resources may be helpful:
Vivamus sagittis tortor et nisi dolor ipsum – ipsum nulla glavida dolor ipsum elementum dolor.
Mauris varius neque id est semper elementum. In pharetra leo nisi non iaculis nisl fermentum.
Phasellus a cursus elit. Praesent varius sem id felis scelerisque vehicula Sed sed pharetra velit lorem ipsum.
Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
Maecenas vehicula semper tortor, ut auctor diam ornare ut. Pellentesque et ex et dolor tempor suscipit. Phasellus vel orci vel orci tincidunt interdum.
Duis volutpat, mi id cursus rhoncus, purus augue aliquam arcu, sit amet rhoncus tellus neque aliquet sapien.
Donec vulputate nulla iaculis eu creative volutpat donec placerat metus erat nunc sit amet blandit interdum mi erat cursus enim.
