University Avenue Bike Lane

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Consultation has concluded

Thank you for your input. The University Ave protected bike lane pilot project was approved by Regional Council in 2015 and implemented in August 2016. It will remain in place until August 2018. Data collection and further study will determine if the pilot becomes a permanent piece of infrastructure.

Halifax Regional Municipality and Dalhousie University are developing a pilot project to install and study protected bike lanes along the north and south sides of University Avenue from Robie Street to LeMarchant Street.

This is a valuable exercise to inform active transportation initiatives in the community and the first step in implementing Dalhousie's vision for the renewal of University Avenue.

The goal of this pilot project is to test best practices in cycling infrastructure, demonstrate the enhanced safety of a separated bike lane, and encourage increased ridership for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Thank you for your input. The University Ave protected bike lane pilot project was approved by Regional Council in 2015 and implemented in August 2016. It will remain in place until August 2018. Data collection and further study will determine if the pilot becomes a permanent piece of infrastructure.

Halifax Regional Municipality and Dalhousie University are developing a pilot project to install and study protected bike lanes along the north and south sides of University Avenue from Robie Street to LeMarchant Street.

This is a valuable exercise to inform active transportation initiatives in the community and the first step in implementing Dalhousie's vision for the renewal of University Avenue.

The goal of this pilot project is to test best practices in cycling infrastructure, demonstrate the enhanced safety of a separated bike lane, and encourage increased ridership for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Consultation has concluded


Do you have a question about the pilot project for the University Avenue Protected Bike Lane?

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    What considerations have been made to connect with the Halifax Urban Greenway Project? I can't wait for the proposed pedestrian bridge over the rail cut to get to Point Pleasant Park. How will this bike lane initiative help support that project as well?

    Shasha asked about 8 years ago

    The Bikeways Plan for the Halifax Institutional District (https://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/BikewaysPlan_20July2012.pdf) proposes an off-road bicycle route that would extend from the western end of University Avenue, travel west through the Dalhousie Campus and make a connection with the Halifax Urban Greenway near the intersection of Oxford and South Streets.  Consideration for this connection will be incorporated into the forthcoming functional planning process for the entire Morris Street – University Avenue Corridor.

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    Is there no way to keep the parking meters and utilize the Median for the bikeways? Seems like it would be the best way to keep everyone happy.

    Derick asked about 8 years ago

    Hi Derick and thanks for your question. While at first glance the median appears to be an opportunity for a central bike path, we have safety concerns about the conflicts that would arise at each intersection with the introduction of this type of facility. Also, a bicycle path on the median would require significant construction and investment, so it’s not appropriate for a temporary installation. This possibility could be studied further during the course of the pilot project.

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    A pilot project should evaluate alternative ways of doing things. I believe the Windsor St. bikeway provided an opportunity to look at providing a bikeway that utilizes existing street space including the need to eliminate previous parking spaces. The proposed University Avenue site provides an opportunity to build a bike lane in the boulevard area. Among the advantages are you could still have a much bigger grassed area to buffer you from cars and equally important, there is no need to impact on existing parking and the Dawgfather's operation. I'm sure this would have been considered and my question is what were the concerns against choosing this option for the pilot project?

    kurt lutes asked about 8 years ago

    Hi Kurt, and thanks for your question. While at first glance the median appears to be an opportunity for a central bike path, we have safety concerns about the conflicts that would arise at each intersection with the introduction of this type of facility. Also, a bicycle path on the median would require significant construction and investment, so it’s not appropriate for a temporary installation. This possibility could be studied further during the course of the pilot project.

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    When no-one drives a bicycle in the winter months (like now), why would you take away valuable parking for patrons of the Arts Centre, the Archives and our neighbourhood?

    Peggy Walt asked about 8 years ago

    Hi Peggy, and thanks for your question. Part of the pilot project's research will be understanding the winter maintenance issues, and the potential for year round use of the lanes. There is a net loss of only 24 parking spaces on University Avenue and there is free evening and weekend public parking at all of Dalhousie’s off-street lots.