Active Transportation Policy & Planning

Atlantic Active Alliance

The Atlantic Active Alliance is a network for community practitioners working on active transportation projects across Nova Scotia. This alliance emerged in 2018 after local AT advocates identified a need for better collaboration and knowledge sharing across the province. This alliance allows interested locals to learn about events and webinars, access useful funding resources and best practices, and hear about projects happening across Nova Scotia.

Visit the Active Alliance Website!

Nova Scotia's Traffic Safety Act

Nova Scotia is developing a Traffic Safety Act with more attention to the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. This new legislation will replace the Motor Vehicle Act and has been in development through an ongoing consultation process since 2020. 

The Traffic Safety Act, as drafted, enables the implementation of cross-rides and bike traffic light signals protect, prioritize, and promote biking at signaled intersections. 

Permanently attached children's seats on adult bikes will be allowed under the Traffic Safety Act, giving parents and caregivers more car-free options for traveling with children. 

The Traffic Safety Act also introduces language that defines Dooring and Right-Hooks as enforceable offences. Neither opening car doors into bike lanes, nor passing a cyclist to make a right turn through the cyclist’s path is currently prohibited in the Motor Vehicle Act, though they are common causes of injury and fatality for people who bike. The Traffic Safety Act’s language prohibits both these maneuvers, which will not prevent drivers from endangering vulnerable road users but will allow for more driver accountability. 

Learn more

• Visit the province’s public engagement page for the Traffic Safety Act for more information
• Read what we heard at the Atlantic Active Alliance information and discussion sessions

Municipal Policy Development & Template

A municipal policy outlines goals and provides some high-level direction towards meeting them. 

An Active Transportation Policy allows a community to formally recognize its active transportation needs, establish guiding principles, and commit to next steps towards meeting its active transportation needs. 

The staff time and/or funding to develop a more detailed active transportation plan is not readily available in most communities that do not yet have an active transportation plan. 

Adopting an Active Transportation Policy demonstrates a commitment to active transportation that will improve eligibility for provincial and federal funding to develop active transportation plans. 

With the support of the Province of Nova Scotia, the Ecology Action Centre developed a template and guide for creating an Active Transportation Policy in your community. 

Access the Active Transportation policy template here!

Creating Community Bike Repair Spaces

Community bike repair spaces provide a welcoming and accessible environment for people to learn how to repair and maintain their bicycles, as well as connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for active and sustainable transportation. Check out "Repair, Recycle, Ride: A How-To Guide for Creating Community Bike Repair Spaces," a resource for individuals and groups interested in establishing community bike repair spaces in Nova Scotia!