Mayor says no way to one-way on Morris Street, but council moves forward with Halifax bikeway

Vehicles pass down Morris Street in between Hollis and Lower Water Street on Wednesday. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentMayor Andy Fillmore was hoping to split a bike lane on Morris Street to save two lanes of traffic.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentBut after hours of late-night debate Tuesday, council voted 13-4 to go with the original design for a bikeway that would turn the busy downtown street into a one-way road with a two-direction bikeway.Article contentArticle contentPlans for installing an important connection from the bike lanes on University Avenue to the waterfront via Morris Street go back several years.Article contentArticle contentIn 2024, council approved preliminary designs for a bikeway going in both directions, requiring the conversion of Morris into a one-way street, which would cost around $5.1 million.Article content The design for a bikeway on Morris Street that would be converted into a one-way path. Photo by HRMArticle contentStaff were getting ready to put out a request for proposals for a detailed design, but last month council asked staff for alternatives that would keep two-way traffic. Fillmore put a request on the floor to dig deeper into these alternatives.Article contentGet it right for everyoneArticle contentFillmore said getting the design right matters, which involves balancing the needs of all road users: cyclists, port traffic, tourism operators, transit and emergency vehicles. He argued the traffic analysis was done in 2021 when traffic patterns were still affected by the pandemic.Article contentHe said feedback shows strong support for the benefits of active transportation but they’ve also heard from stakeholders like PSA Halifax (which runs the port) and Emera (their headquarters are nearby), Ambassatours and SouthWest Properties about the impact of converting Morris Street to a one-way.Article contentArticle content“During a time of global uncertainty and increasing trade tensions with the United States, it’s more important than ever that one of our region’s major economic engines (the port) can continue to operate efficiently and remain competitive on the world stage,” Fillmore said.Article contentArticle contentFinding balanceArticle contentInstead, he pitched a new option of a couplet: a one-way westbound bike lane on Morris Street coupled with a one-way eastbound bikeway following Clyde Street, the Sexton Campus and Bishop Street. He said this is the key to meeting the needs for all roadway users.Article content“It’s an option that deserves a closer look.”Article contentCoun. Shawn Cleary (Halifax West Armdale) fired back that the balance always tips in favour of the vehicle driver instead of the bike rider.Article content“For me, this isn’t about balance either. The current design of our streets — almost all of our streets — obviously prioritizes cars,” he said, adding that the one-way street design was about “bringing back some usability for active transportation.”