Nova Scotia’s premier has backed the mayor of Halifax on a motion to pause construction of new bike lanes.
The contentious issue, brought forward by Andy Fillmore Tuesday, was ultimately shut down 12-five by councillors after a passionate debate that lasted hours.
However, Tim Houston told reporters, Thursday, it makes sense to talk about the cost and location of new projects.
“Obviously it didn’t make sense to the majority of the council to have that discussion,” said Houston. “Traffic is brutal. Everyone can see that.”
The intent was to take a look at all of the capital projects over the next four years for new bike lanes, not yet tendered, and put the brakes on the ones that would hinder the flow of vehicles.
Houston said this was part of Fillmore’s election campaign and he won by a pretty large margin.
“I actually think the mayor got more votes than a lot of those individual councillors got in their own area. So, I think he’s on the right topic for sure on traffic congestion,” said Houston.
Backlash
The motion created a lot of backlash in the community with a rally of about 350 cyclists who gathered outside city hall Tuesday morning, protesting.
Several speakers said improving bike infrastructure will only improve the flow of traffic.
Alternative motion
The mayor tabled an alternative motion that requests reports on the Morris and Brunswick Streets Multi-Modal Phase One projects ahead of the July 8 meeting.
It passed 11 to six.
The CAO will provide bike lane options to keep two-way traffic on Morris Street that does not worsen congestion there or on Lower Water Street.
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