The Halifax Regional Municipality is implementing a network of connected bikeway facilities that are designed for people of all ages and abilities (AAA). The network consists of protected bike lanes, multi-use pathways and local street bikeways. This project is Action 72 of the Integrated Mobility Plan and is part of developing a safer, more accessible and multi-modal transportation system for the Municipality.
The map below shows the current status of the AAA cycling network in the Regional Centre.
Background: Regional Centre AAA Bikeway Network
- The total proposed network is about 57km of safer, connected bikeways in the Regional Centre (the Halifax peninsula and Dartmouth inside Highway 111). The goal to complete the full network is 2028.
- As of winter 2024, progress has been made on about 50% of the proposed network.
- Segments labeled as “complete” are regularly assessed and sometimes adjusted in order to improve operations and safety.
- Some sections may receive temporary or tactical safety improvements in the meantime. These enable faster improvements and the ability to trial certain treatments. Over 8km of interim/tactical bikeway improvements along key AAA Cycling Network corridors. Please visit the Interim Bikeways project page and learn more about the bikeway improvements were implemented in 2023 and 2024.
- Some elements of the cycling network are being implemented in conjunction with other projects and are dependent on their timing. For example, segments associated with the Cogswell District redevelopment are being implemented with that project.
The implementation of this network is being funded by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Regional Centre AAA Bikeway Project represents a $25 million investment from these governments to support safety, accessibility and the expansion of transportation options that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
AAA Bikeway Implementation Updates
The descriptions below provide introductions to the projects, information on project status and links to more information.
- South Park Street Bikeway Enhancement and Extension
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Construction for both phases, from Inglis Street to Sackville Street was completed in 2019 and 2020. The South Park Street 'AAA' facility features one-way protected bicycle lanes on each side of the street, with a wide buffer and concrete curbs to separate bicycle and vehicle traffic and parking. This route will eventually connect to other bikeways, including a potential new facility being planned for the University Avenue/Morris Street corridor and enhanced bicycle lanes on Bell Road.
Please visit the South Park Street AAA Bikeway page or read the staff report for further information.
- Vernon-Seymour Local Street Bikeway
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Phase One of construction was completed in June 2019 between Quinpool Road and Coburg Road. Bikeway features include pavement markings, curb extensions, turn restrictions at Jubilee Road and a centre-painted bikeway approach to Quinpool Road.
In December 2020, bicycle activated half signals were added to the intersection of Vernon-Seymour-Coburg to signify completion of Phase Two connection to University Avenue.
In 2024 additional measures to support vehicle volume and speed targets are being considered and may be implemented.
The project will connect with enhanced bikeway facilities on Quingate (being planned as part of the Midtown bikeways project) and University Avenue.
Please visit the Vernon-Seymour Local Street Bikeway or read the staff report for further information.
The project is being monitored for motor vehicle speed and volume. Additional traffic calming and/or diversion measures are under investigation and may be implemented in the coming years.
- Allan-Oak Street Local Street Bikeway
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Construction of Phase One on Allan Street (east of the intersection at Harvard Street) was completed in summer 2019 and includes new signage, pavement markings, curb extensions, and a series of five speed humps to promote slower speeds and safer single-file lane sharing .
Construction of bicycle activated traffic signals, including some vehicle movement restrictions to enable safer crossings of Oxford Street was implemented in 2021.
Bikeway enhancements to Oak Street (such as traffic calming measures) began in 2023 and will be completed in 2024.
Additional traffic diversion at the Allan-Harvard intersection is being planned for construction in 2024.
Please visit the Allan-Oak Local Street Bikeway project page or read the staff report for further information.
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Ahern Multi-use Pathway
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Construction is complete for this route. To create an all-ages-and-abilities connection on this street, as part of a larger network, a portion of the sidewalk along Ahern Avenue has been transformed into a multi-use pathway for use by people walking and cycling.
- Barrington Greenway Extension
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The Barrington Greenway was extended between North Street and Niobe Gate In addition to the multi-use pathway, the project upgraded the sidewalk on the west side of the street and added transit priority measures for buses traveling southbound on Barrington Street.
For the full staff report on the project, click here.
- Woodside Walking and Bicycling Connections
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In fall 2018, the municipality completed 1.2km of new multi-use pathway and new sidewalk in Woodside. The new facilities connect communities such as Portland Hills and Russell Lake to destinations in Woodside, the Woodside Ferry Terminal and continuing along the Dartmouth Harbourfront Greenway into downtown Dartmouth. This is a new segment of the Regional Centre AAA Cycling Network that also includes new sidewalks and makes Halifax Transit stops accessible.
This new facility is now part of a 10km corridor connecting communities, schools, transit, parks, tourist attractions and more.
- West End 'AAA' Bikeways
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Construction on the West End Bikeway is being implemented in phases on on George Dauphinee, Liverpool, Peter Lowe, William Hunt, and Leppert streets. Tactical implementation of some segments took place in 2023 with the addition of traffic calming and intersection changes. Permanent implementation will begin on the east end of Liverpool in 2024 and proceed on other segments between 2025 and 2027.
The facility will be local street bikeways where bikes and cars share the road on streets with low traffic volumes and speeds. Treatments to make the bikeways safer will include speed tables, curb extensions, pavement markings, wayfinding signage, and treatments to facilitate the crossing of major streets.
The project was approved by Regional Council in September 2020. This corridor will also be implemented as part of the Interim Bikeway Improvements pilot program to attain more immediate safety and connectivity improvements.
Please read the staff report for further information.
- George Street Protected Bike Lane
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This bi-directional bike way is planned for construction in 2026. The bikeway will connect the Ferry Terminal to Grand Parade.
Please visit the Downtown Bikeways to learn more about the planning process.
- Macdonald Bridge Bikeway Connector
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Construction of protected bike lanes on Wyse Road and an improved access point with the Bridge Bikeway on the Dartmouth side happened in 2021 and 2022. Halifax-side improvements are currently in design. A Value Engineering exercise was undertaken in 2023 to determine if there were effective and less expensive ways to improve safe access to and from the bridge bikeway for people bicycling. A report to Council on this process is scheduled for Spring 2024. Depending on Council direction, an enhanced access could be constructed in 2025.
The Macdonald Bridge Bikeway provides a key connection for cycling between Halifax, Dartmouth, and beyond. Accessing the bikeway from either side of the harbour, however, can be challenging for many. Some of the current challenges include long, steep climbs and busy streets and intersections approaching the Macdonald Bridge. The municipality wants to make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to access the Macdonald Bridge Bikeway.
Please visit the Macdonald Bridge Bikeway Connectors project page or read the staff report for further information.
- North End 'AAA' Bikeways
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The first phase of construction on the North End Bikeway was completed in summer 2021 on Leaman, Drummond and Isleville Streets, north of Duffus. Construction will continue in phased segments south on Isleville Street to Almon Street through to 2028. The next segment planned for construction is Isleville Street between Duffus and Young Streets in 2024.
Except for a small section of multi-use pathway on the northern tip of Novalea Drive, most of the North End Bikeway will be local street bikeways where bikes and cars share the road on streets with low traffic volumes and speeds. Treatments to make the bikeways safer will include traffic calming, traffic diversion, pavement markings, wayfinding signage, and treatments to facilitate the crossing of major streets.
The planning of the segment of the North End 'AAA' Bikeway from Almon Street, south to Cogswell Street is still forthcoming and will resume in Spring 2024.
The first phase of the project was approved by Regional Council in September 2020.
This corridor is also part of the Municipality’s Street Improvement Pilot projects program to attain more immediate safety and connectivity improvements in the near term. In 2020, changes were made to the Young, Kaye, Isleville intersection to make crossings for people walking and bicycling safer and more comfortable. Other short-term improvements like speed tables and temporary curb extensions are being implemented in 2023 and 2024 as part of the Interim Bikeway Improvements pilot program.
Please visit the project Shape Your City site or read the staff report for further information.
- Africville Active Transportation Connections
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The municipality is implementing a planning study to determine the best connections for walking and cycling between the Africville National Historic Site and the rest of the Halifax peninsula, with a focus on creating safer ways to access the site for everyone.
A Functional Plan is complete for this project, and additional planning is happening in 2024.
Construction of this project is targeted for 2027 and 2028, however this depends on the preferred option selected.
Please visit the Africville Active Transportation Connections page for further information.
- Almon Street Bikeway
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On February 8, 2022 Regional Council approved the installation of 0.9 km of bicycle facilities and related changes to the right-of-way on Almon Street from Windsor Street to Gottingen Street as described in the staff report. The approved facilities include:
- ·One-way protected bicycle lanes on both sides of Almon Street, from Windsor Street to Agricola Street, with a combination of sidewalk level (raised) and street level (separated by pre-cast concrete curb) bicycle lanes
- Two single-file shared lanes between Agricola Street and Gottingen Street. This segment is very constrained with many buildings constructed to the property line and a nine-metre curb-to-curb width, which is insufficient space for protected or painted bicycle lanes. While there will be some changes to improve conditions for cyclists (i.e., pavement markings, shared lane signs), this segment will not meet all ages and abilities (AAA) standards.
The approved segment (Windsor Street to Gottingen Street) is in the final stage of detailed design with a target to begin construction in summer 2023.
August 2023 Update
A number of factors, including a longer timeline for the detailed design phase than originally anticipated and the ongoing construction encroachment near Robie Street, have informed the decision to delay construction to 2024. The revised target is to tender and award the contract in the fall of 2023 and start construction in spring 2024.
For more information about the planning process please visit the Shape Your City project page.
- Midtown 'AAA' Bikeway Connections
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The goal of the Midtown AAA Bikeway Connections project is to provide safer connections between all-ages-and-abilities (AAA) cycling facilities in the centre of the Halifax peninsula. Bikeway improvements are being considered for Bell Road, the Commons pathways, Welsford Street, part of Windsor Street, Quingate Place and part of Quinpool Road. Planning is currently underway with phase two public engagement targeted for Fall 2024. Construction is currently scheduled for between 2025 and 2028.
The Bell Road segment of this project (Sackville to Summer) is currently being implemented as part of the Interim Bikeways Improvements pilot program to attain more immediate safety and connectivity improvements in the near term. Seasonal bollard protection will be added to the existing painted bike lanes alongside improved pavement markings and crossing measures at intersections. These bollards need to be removed in the winter to facilitate snow clearing. Results of this interim installation will be used to inform the final design for this corridor.
Please visit the Midtown 'AAA' Bikeway Connections site for further information on the planning process and upcoming engagement events.
- Bayers Road to Chain of Lakes Trail
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This is a planned AAA bikeway connection between Bayers Road on the Halifax Peninsula and the Chain of Lakes Trail. This improves connectivity between the peninsula, Fairview and communities in Clayton Park and beyond.
The facility will be a combination of multi-use pathway, local street bikeway and includes new crossing treatments for pedestrians and cyclists at the Joseph Howe / Chain of Lakes / Exit 0 intersection. It will also require changes or a new structure to enable AAA crossings of the CN rail cut.
Construction of the Joseph Howe / Chain of Lakes / Exit 0 intersection is took place in 2022 along with safety improvements to area local streets as well as new multi-use pathway near Ralston Ave. Additional work is still required to improve the crossing of the CN rail cut.
- Brunswick-Rainnie Complete Streets
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This project aims to have protected bike lanes on Rainnie Dr., Gottingen Street (Rainnie to Brunswick) and Brunswick Street from Cogswell to Spring Garden Road. The project is part of a broader complete streets planning process that begin in 2021.
Construction is scheduled to start in 2024.
Segments of this project are part of the Municipality’s Street Improvement Pilot projects program to attain more immediate safety improvements.
- Lower Water - Upper Water Protected Bike Lane
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Lower Water – Upper Water Street currently has a tactical protected bike lane, implemented in 2020 as part of the Municipality’s Street Improvement Pilot projects program. There were some enhancements in 2023 and a further upgrade is planned for 2025. The permanent facility will be implemented as part of the Water Streets Enhancement project.
Please visit the Downtown Bikeways site for information on the planning process.
- Hollis Street Protected Bike Lane
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Phase One of the Hollis Street protected bike lane, extending from the Cogswell Interchange to Terminal Road, was completed in 2020. Phase Two is bike lanes in both directions from Terminal Road to Barrington Street began construction in 2022 and was completed in 2023.
Please visit the Downtown Bikeways site to learn more about planning process. Please visit the Hollis Street protected bikeway site to learn more.
- Terminal Road Protected Bike Lanes
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These bike lanes began construction in 2022 between Hollis and Lower Water Streets were mostly completed in 2023. These will provide an east-west connection in the downtown bikeway “loop” and help improve access to destinations such as the Seaport Market.
Please visit the Downtown Bikeways site to learn more about the planning process.
- Peninsula South Complete Streets
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Improvements are being considered for several streets including University Avenue, Morris Street and Robie Street (south of University Avenue). Planning is underway and construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. The construction timeframe will depend, in part, on the option selected but would be phased over more than one year.
This project is applying a "complete streets" approach to improving mobility for people travelling through the south end of the Halifax peninsula, with a focus on improving comfort, safety and convenience for people walking and cycling while also considering transit, accessibility, placemaking, urban forestry, vehicle traffic, loading, parking and other factors.
The objective for the new AAA cycling routes is to:
- Connect the Halifax Urban Greenway to Lower Water Street, as well as Dalhousie University's three campuses and the hospitals along the way;
- Connect University Avenue to the Saint Mary’s University campus; and,
- Establish a “District Identity,” for University Avenue that reflects the unique character of the area and will shape any changes made to the street.
Please visit the Peninsula South Complete Streets site for further information.
- Dartmouth Harbourfront Greenway
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The Dartmouth Harbourfront Greenway is a multi-use pathway that extends from Alderney Landing to the Woodside Ferry Terminal. The goal of this project is to fill two gaps in the corridor between Parker Street and Old Ferry Road and between Kings Wharf Place and Prince Street. The Parker Street to Old Ferry Road is planned for construction in 2024, but requires a property acquisition. The Kings Wharf Place and Prince Street segment depends on decision related to the development of Kings Wharf Place, but is currently planned for 2026.
- Dartmouth North Active Transportation Planning Project
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This project aims to create an AAA bikeway connection between Wyse Road and the Burnside Greenway while identifying other complete street improvements for Dartmouth North Streets.
Community engagement took place throughout 2021, with the functional plan complete in 2022.
Construction will be done in phases between 2025 and 2027.
Please visit the Shape Your City page for more information.
- Dahlia-Oak-Crichton Active Transportation Connections
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This project aims to create AAA walking and cycling connections between the Dartmouth Common and the Shubenacadie Canal Greenway. New features include building a local street bikeway on Dahlia Street, a new multi-use pathway in Sullivan’s Pond Park, new sidewalks on Oak and Victoria Streets, as well as measures to improve crossings at major intersections.
Functional planning was completed in summer/fall 2020 and the project was approved by Regional Council in February 2021. Please visit the project Shape Your City site or read the staff report for further information.
Construction took place in two phases between 2021 and 2022 and is now considered complete! Future improvements to the crossing treatments (e.g. bicycle activation of RRFB) may be incorporated in future years if/once Provincial legislation changes take place to enable this usage.
- Slayter Local Street Bikeway and Connections
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As part of the Integrated Mobility Plan’s All Ages and Abilities (AAA) Bikeway Network, the Municipality is completing a functional plan (30% design) for the Slayter Local Street Bikeway and north, south and west bikeway connectors to the existing and future bikeway network.
A Local Street Bikeway is a cycling route along quiet streets where people cycling share the road with motor vehicles (no dedicated bike infrastructure is required). This bikeway type typically includes traffic calming and diversion treatments to reduce vehicular speed and volumes.
Currently, interim bikeway improvements along Slayter Street have been installed as a pilot project to reduce vehicular travel speeds to improve safety and comfort of people walking, rolling and cycling along the corridor. The treatments that were installed included:
• Curb extensions (pre-cast concrete barriers + flexible bollards)
• Speed tables (asphalt + signage)
• Sharrow pavement markings (paint)Community engagement is anticipated in the Spring of 2024 with the 30% functional plan design completed towards the end of the year.
Construction is targeted for 2026, depending on the preferred option.
Once engagement starts, more information about the project will be on the Halifax Shape Your City .
For more information, please contact Maria Jacobs, AT Planner, at jacobsm@halifax.ca - Alderney Landing to Wyse/Thistle Intersection
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The Alderney Landing to Wyse/Thistle Street intersection, All-Ages-and-Abilities (AAA) Active Transportation project will connect existing Active Transportation facilities and allow more people to get to where they are going by rolling or walking through Downtown Dartmouth.
The goal of this project is to select an Active Transportation facility that provides a safe and accessible connection between Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail and the protected bike lanes on Wyse Road, in Downtown Dartmouth. This facility will also contribute to closing the gap in the route from the Macdonald Bridge to Woodside Ferry Terminal Active Transportation. The planning and engagement phase of this project will help ensure that these upgrades improve road safety and accessibility for all road users and meet the needs of the community.
We want to hear from you about how can we include Active Transportation routes for everyone on these streets. Public engagement is anticipated for Spring 2024 for the 30% design functional plan. Once engagement starts, more information about the project can be found on the Halifax Shape Your City page. Exact construction timing will depend on the option selected.
For more information about the project, please contact Maria Jacobs, AT Planner at jacobsm@halifax.ca.