Government is supporting a proposed bike lane project, the first of its kind in Halifax.

Energy Minister Andrew Younger announced today, Sept. 12, the department will provide $150,000 for Dalhousie University’s pilot project to introduce on-street, protected bike lanes on University Avenue between Robie St.

and LeMarchant St.

“The government continues to support sustainable transportation projects that demonstrate a measureable difference in our communities,” said Mr. Younger. “I have long supported this type of initiative so I’m very pleased to see it progress.

“The proposed bike lane section along University Avenue will provide extra accessibility and safety for cyclists who travel to the campus or to other destinations in downtown Halifax.”

The project is part of Dalhousie University’s Campus Master Plan and Institutional Cycling Plan to create the first on-street, protected bike lanes. Protected bike lanes use partitions – like bollards or posts, large flower planters, or painted buffers – to separate bike traffic from vehicle traffic on the street.

“Dalhousie is extremely pleased to receive this funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Energy,” said Ian Nason, vice president of finance and administration. “This funding is an essential part of the process Dalhousie University is undertaking as we move forward in the planning of a separated cycle lane, to promote and support cycling on campus and in the community at large.”

Provincial funding for the project runs until the end of March 2015. The project’s completion requires Halifax Council approval.

For more information on sustainable transportation initiatives and the province’s Sustainable Transportation Strategy, visit www.novascotia.ca/sustainabletransportation.

Source: Release