The Signal Podcast: Nov 8/24. Traffic safety in Halifax.

In the first week of November, there were two serious collisions on Spring Garden Road. A 24-year-old woman lost her life when she was hit by a bus. Just the day before, a 23-year-old cyclist was left in critical condition after he hit an open car door on the same street. 

What is it like to navigate Halifax on a bike? To draw the short straw on a crosswalk? 

At one point, the municipal government set its sights on a Swedish road safety vision that aims to stamp out traffic deaths. It’s called Vision Zero and is based on the idea that no one’s life or health should be threatened by travelling on the road.  Halifax has since backpedaled. It’s vision is now called Towards Zero and aims to simply reduce traffic related deaths and injuries.

Still, emergency room responders confirm they’re seeing more serious injuries from traffic accidents–yet another pressure point on the healthcare system. 

Traffic planners and safety advocates agree serious upgrades are needed in our road design. The city has plans for a new bus system with designated road space. Bus rapid transit works like streetcars on rubber wheels with the goal of less reliance on cars, easing congestion. However, so far there’s no funding in place.

Meanwhile, some people are worried about another attempt to make Spring Garden Road car-free. Businesses like Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia say they were hit hard by a pilot project that briefly closed the street to all traffic except buses. Halifax’s new council is expected to discuss whether to revive the project.

Tune in to hear details about all these perspectives that interact with important road safety stories. It’s a deep dive with The Signal.