For over a decade, Halifax has hosted an annual event known as the Mayor\u2019s Bike Ride. As the name suggests, the mayor usually joins. This year, the event has been renamed the Annual Community Bike Ride. (Doesn\u2019t have quite the same ring, does it?). Why the change? Because Mayor Andy Fillmore isn\u2019t going.<\/p>\n
Traditionally featuring the mayor alongside municipal staff and councillors, this year\u2019s ride will proceed without Fillmore, who has become a controversial figure since taking office in November 2024. Instead, Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini will lead the ride.<\/p>\n
To local cyclists, Fillmore\u2019s absence was hardly a surprise. \u201cThis is totally on brand. Everyone here is disappointed but very much not surprised,\u201d Halifax journalist Hannah Marais said. \u201cHe certainly isn\u2019t on the Halifax cycling community\u2019s good side right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ride will begin at 3 p.m. at Kiwanis Grahams Grove Park. It the goes to the Shubie Park Pump Track, with a free BBQ from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Riders are encouraged to bring their own bikes. However, e-bikes and e-scooters are available through the Bird Canada app. The event aims to promote cycling and active transportation in the community.<\/p>\n
Fillmore\u2019s absence raises questions amid recent controversies. Earlier this year, he proposed pausing all new bike lane construction, citing traffic and cost concerns. The motion faced strong opposition from cycling advocates. It was ultimately defeated by Halifax Regional Council. Critics argue his actions have undermined efforts to expand cycling infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the CBC<\/a> at the time, Fillmore said the goal isn\u2019t to cancel bike lanes but to \u201cbuild cycling infrastructure in the right way.\u201d He said that his plan was to do so, \u201cwithout worsening congestion or impacting transit users, delivery drivers, or those reliant on cars.\u201d<\/p>\n Cycling advocates weren\u2019t convinced. David Trueman, chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, called the plan \u201cmisguided\u201d and politically motivated. \u201cIf you stop the pipeline, the flow is cut off. There can be untold delays and escalating costs,\u201d he said<\/a>, warning that Halifax risks losing its position as one of Canada\u2019s leaders in active transportation.<\/p>\n