EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was previously published in Spacing Magazine's fall issue. HALIFAX -- Both Moncton and Halifax have their unique challenges in implementing a sustainable development path for their respective regions. This diversity of tactics was on full display during debates this past summer in both cities about road alteration projects. In Halifax, a decision on the proposed expansion of two-lane Bayers Road has been delayed. The project called for a four-to-six-lane widening along significant portions of the street, essentially turning it into a highway corridor for suburban communities leading into peninsular Halifax.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Currently designated a "primary bike route" in the city's Active Transportation network, proposed changes to Lower Water Street suggest that HRM has no intention of supporting their own plan."][/caption] HALIFAX - On September 19, 2011, traffic patterns in Downtown Halifax were altered in an attempt to ease congestion in the city's core. In this first of three planned phases, a number of streets that currently allow two-way traffic now only permit one-way traffic (including sections of Blowers, Market, Sackville, George, and Granville streets), while a section of Grafton Street will now allow two-way traffic. Subsequent phases in October and March will see Lower Water Street becoming one-way north bound, signals added to the Duke and Lower Water Street intersection, and bike lanes added to both Lower Water and Hollis streets. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Phase 1 came into affect September 19, 2011. "][/caption] In a report to Council, HRM Staff claim that “the highlight of this plan is the creation of new bike lanes on Hollis Street and Lower Water Street”. Why then does this plan sacrifice the safety of cyclists and efficiency of both its active transportation and public transit network?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is cross-posted from the Halifax Media Co-op by Rocky Lis. Check out the original here. HALIFAX - A multi-million dollar upgrade involving re-painting and repaving of the Macdonald Bridge is currently underway. One of the goals of the Halifax Harbour Bridges authority that operates the bridge is to become a recognized leader in sustainable transportation demand management (TDM). Vehicular traffic is becoming more congested around the Macdonald Bridge as the HRM population rapidly grows, making sustainable TDM particularly pertinent. Encouraging cycling commuting by improving infrastructure ought to be a key component in pursuit of any sustainable TDM program.

CHARLOTTETOWN - Like them or not, Hipsters are changing North America. The Maritimes has seen glimpses of this fad but nothing like what is happening around United States and the rest of Canada. On a recent cross-continent excursion, I saw the changes that Hipsters are creating for our transportation system firsthand—and it’s all because their top accessory is the bicycle. Whether it was in Portland, Oregon or Williamsburg, New York, I could plainly see that Hipsters have taken over the streets—literally. Charlottetown, you are next.

[caption id="attachment_9621" align="alignnone" width="400" caption=" Map #2 - "Existing Cycling Infrastructure""][/caption] CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - PEI is well known as a cycling destination. Tourists come from far and wide to bike along the scenic highways that overlook the Atlantic Ocean from the tops of gentle rolling hills. The Confederation Trail, an old railway track now converted to a multi-use trail, is another popular choice. It connects Charlottetown to both the east and west coasts of the island. The Confederation Trail is teeming with wildlife such as foxes and finches which emerge regularly from the adjacent brush. Charlottetown itself is a really pretty city. It charms tourists and delights the locals, with its views of the sprawling harbor, magnificent Victoria Park, daintily outfitted and brightly colored historic homes, trees with branches that overhang the streets and manicured flower beds at every corner. The City of Charlottetown has the aesthetic appeal and the small scale (44 km²), to make it a lovely place to bike around. One could, in one day, take in the harbor vistas, explore the historic buildings, stop for fresh oysters fresh out of Malpeque Bay, do some shopping and take in a theatrical production. In theory, this city has all it could ever need to attract a ton of cyclists. The truth is that cyclists in the downtown area are few and far between. Tourists are not choosing this as a method of exploration. Even locals commuting to work are seen in fewer numbers than you might expect. But why?

WHAT: Cycling Infrastructure Ideas from Across the Country WHERE: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Bldg, 6100 University Avenue, Rm 1009 WHEN: May 31st, 2011, 6:30–8:00pm HOW MUCH: Free HALIFAX - Since May 27th, HRM Bike Week has organized Bike Auctions, Safety Classes, Tune-Ups, Bike to the Movies' events and so much more. As part of HRM Bike Week, join cycling infrastructure experts this evening from across the country at Dalhousie University, to discuss innovative bikeway projects. Panelists will share ideas from recent projects and field questions from the public, as well. Visiting panelists, include Norma Moores, IBI Group: Behind the Curb: Innovative Approach to Constructing Cycle Tracks Meghan Whitehead, McCormick Rankin Corporation: Segregated Bicycle Lane Pilot Project - Ottawa, ON John McGill, Hatch Mott MacDonald: Dynamic Cycling Trip Planners

Halifax, Nova Scotia Photo by Dean Bouchard, member of  Spacing Atlantic's flickr pool.

With lots of neat-o, community urban events taking place this weekend - from Metro transit bus rides discussing sprawl, Mobile Art project unveilings, the final walk with Aimee Brown in Point Pleasant Park to Open Street parties -  I thought I would consolidate the Events Guides, so you can map out your weekend plans in advance. WHAT: Taking development issues on the bus: Ecology Action Centre's 37th Day of Action WHERE: Metro Transit Route 14, meet and jump on at Barrington & Duke, South WHEN: Saturday, May 28, 12:48pm, SHARP!! HOW MUCH: $2.25 HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY (HRM) -  As part of Ecology Action Centre's 40 days of Action to celebrate the organizations 40th year of operation, grab your bus pass and join EAC’s Built Environment Committee for a healthy debate about the past and future of Halifax' city’s growth. This event is all about jumping on a bus and riding through various HRM development types - from the city’s core through the subdivisions to the edges of metro - while having a discussion on growth and development. What do our neighbourhoods say about us? The event encourages dialogue regarding HRM development and the impact it has had on the city's economics, the environment, and the notion of community. The bus tour is organized by the Built Environment Committee at the Ecology Action Centre, but all residents of the city are invited. Special “on the bus” guests include:  Jennifer Watts, City Councillor of HRM district 14; Andrew Murphy, Accountant and developer who worked on the proposed changes to HRMs' regional tax structure; and two more guests that have yet to be announced.