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Community Cycle routes should be designed in full partnership with the cycling community and other affected stakeholders.

The Halifax Dartmouth Bridge Commission began this partnership by inviting individuals from the cycling community in Halifax to test the design of the new Angus L. Mac Donald Bridge bikeway[1].
An informal telephone survey[2] conducted for the ‘Streets for Cycling’ project, of representatives of cycling clubs and retail cycle shops, indicates that there is a great deal of interest in the cycling community in improving roadways for cyclists.
In addition, it was apparent from the conversations that many of the cyclists and retailers have considerable knowledge of cycling issues gained through several years of experience and are willing to participate in the project.

The issues of cyclists should be balanced with those of other community members such as those who may potentially want to use bicycles as an alternate form of transportation, or those who may live along the proposed cycle routes.

Skill Level and Safety

The skill level of cyclists is a critical factor in determining program policy. Bicycles should be perceived as vehicles. Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure adequate skill level exists among cyclists wishing to share the road with other vehicles. Partnerships with the cycling community and with municipal police are being sought to assist in safety policy formulation. In addition to creating awareness of the project through the telephone survey mentioned above, the Halifax Regional Police Services’ Bike Patrol was contacted and made aware of the project. It was received with enthusiasm[3] and an officer was designated to represent the police department and will be available for consultation. In addition, officers were identified on the police bike patrol that may have an interest in participating.

Dedicated Bikeways and Traffic Calming

Dedicated bikeways should be considered only when absolutely necessary, and only if there are advantages to both cyclists and automobile drivers. They should not be used as an alternative to safety education and adequate skills.

The completion of bridge improvements and the closure of Brunswick Street to bridge traffic are resulting in substantially reduced traffic levels on most of the street north of the Cogswell Street interchange. However, feeder traffic should be discouraged from shortcutting via Brunswick Street to the new bridge access on Barrington Street when it opens. The creation of the cycle route provides a reason to ensure that traffic calming on Brunswick Street is maintained after direct bridge access from the street is closed.

There appears to be a large number of commuters responding to our survey who may be willing to shift to bicycle usage on a regular basis if local facilities are improved. This survey, though limited, may reflect the general downtown commuter population.However, a more detailed study would be needed to determine this with any degree of certainty. In addition, a comprehensive origin/destination study should be performed to track all modes of transport, including the use of bicycles, crossing into the Halifax Peninsula.

The most apparent implication for HRM Peninsular Halifax(assuming that the survey respondents reflect general patterns) is that because of the peninsula's discrete land area and the concentrated work/school destinations of its citizens, a stronger transportation demand management plan is needed. Supply management strategies such as road widening may no longer be the option of choice.Alternative modes of transportation such as cycling must be considered seriously and strategies implemented in order to encourage this. The rewards will be felt not only in terms of personal lifestyle and an improved environment, but will also result in economic benefits.HRM’s citizens will enjoy greater flexibility in choosing more cost-effective and healthier ways of commuting and the district itself will enhance its profile as a desirable community in which to live and work.

Our work to date strongly suggests that our citizens would welcome initiatives that promote and facilitate the use of the bicycle as a viable transportation option. Further direct consultation with our community in Phases II and III will test and validate this conclusion.

[1] Personal communication with Mr. Steve Snider, Manager, Halifax Dartmouth Bridge Commission on March 15,1999.

[2] Performed March 17, 1999.

[3] Fax dated March 12,1999 from Insp. Dave Murphy, HRPS bike patrol commander.