Halifax council defeats mayors motion to pause bike lane construction – Halifax [Video]

Halifax Regional Council voted down a motion from Mayor Andy Fillmore to pause construction on new bike lanes and were critical of the idea.

Councillors defeated the motion by 12 votes to five.

At Tuesday night’s council, Fillmore was met with animosity from several councillors.

“I mean, of course I’m disappointed, I was not surprised. I could tell from talking to colleagues over the past many months where their ideologies lie. But I gave it my best shot for the people of Halifax,” said Fillmore.

On June 6, Fillmore announced he was bringing a motion to council asking for a pause on new bike lane construction associated with the all-ages and abilities (AAA) bikeway network project until a staff report can be done to evaluate increasing costs and congestion concerns.

Councillors took issue with fundamental aspects of the motion, particularly traffic concerns and the impact that delaying the project will have on cost down the road.

“Bike lanes do not cause congestion,” said Coun. Sam Austin.

“You …