Bill 60 Puts Key Ottawa Bike Lane Projects on Hold

Provincial Rules Trigger Project Cancellations

Ottawa officials say new provincial legislation is forcing the city to halt at least three planned bike lane projects. A report presented Thursday to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee outlines how Bill 60, passed earlier this week, restricts municipalities from removing motor-vehicle lanes to build cycling infrastructure unless construction contracts are already signed.

Projects Affected Across Ottawa

City staff confirmed the legislation directly impacts two downtown projects — the planned extension of the O’Connor Street bike lane to Wellington Street, and cycling-related changes tied to the eventual removal of bus lanes along Albert and Slater streets. Approximately $1.7 million has already been invested in planning and early design work for these corridors.
A third project, a redesign of St. Joseph Boulevard between Jeanne d’Arc and Belcourt boulevards in Orléans, is also unlikely to proceed under the new rules.

Why the Law Is Causing Delays

Bill 60 prevents municipalities from reducing the number of vehicle travel lanes for bike lanes or “other prescribed purposes” unless contracts are in place. City engineers told councillors this restriction may require costly redesigns for multiple future projects. The city has not yet determined the full financial impact or how long new planning processes may take.

City Examines Legal and Policy Implications

Staff said they are reviewing the legislation to clarify how it applies to streets that currently permit both driving and parking in the same lane, and whether flexibility may still exist in certain mixed-use configurations. The report notes that more than 70 cycling projects in the Transportation Master Plan remain compliant because they do not involve removing vehicle lanes.

Cycling Growth and Community Reaction

Ottawa has seen “rapid growth” in cycling over the past 15 years, with nearly 10% of downtown residents and 4% of residents citywide making daily trips by bike. Advocacy groups argue Bill 60 undermines this momentum.
Bike Ottawa board member Florence Lehmann, who protested the legislation earlier this month, called the bill “extremely regressive” and warned it discourages active transportation.
“I’m a second-class citizen from a transportation perspective,” she said. “What the province is saying is: if you’re not in a car, you don’t matter.”

Concerns Over Local Authority

Urban planning advocates share similar concerns. Marko Miljusevic of Strong Towns Ottawa said the province is overreaching into municipal responsibilities.
“Transportation is best managed locally,” he said. “Every city is different. Taking this out of the city’s toolbox limits our ability to design safe, modern streets.”

City Plans to Redirect Funding

City staff recommend reallocating funds from halted projects to pedestrian and vulnerable-road-user initiatives. Both Coun. Ariel Troster and advocacy groups welcomed this approach but stressed that long-planned cycling upgrades should remain preserved if legislative changes or legal challenges arise.
“Many of these projects have been years in the making,” Troster said. “If they disappear now, it’s going to be a complete waste.”

The post Bill 60 Puts Key Ottawa Bike Lane Projects on Hold first appeared on Maple News Wire.

The latest 2025 Happy City Index is out, and it brings exciting news for cycling enthusiasts: the world’s happiest cities are also the best places to ride a bike. Leading the pack is Copenhagen, Denmark—a shining example of how urban cycling and happiness go hand in hand.

Copenhagen isn’t just known for its sleek Scandinavian design and exceptional quality of life. With bikes outnumbering cars and nearly 62% of residents commuting daily by bicycle, cycling is woven into the city’s fabric. For many locals, riding a bike is simply a joyful part of daily life.

Why Cycling Makes Cities Happier

The Happy City Index assesses cities based on six pillars: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility. Cities that rank highly for happiness also excel in mobility and environmental sustainability—two areas strongly influenced by bike-friendly urban design.

Spotlight on the Most Bicycle-Friendly Happy Cities

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen tops the list, scoring highest in environment and mobility. Its cycle superhighways, bike-optimized traffic lights, and snow-cleared lanes make year-round biking accessible and safe. The result? Cleaner air, healthier citizens, and happier commuters. As one resident puts it: “In Copenhagen, the bike lane is the fast lane to well-being.”

4. Aarhus, Denmark

Following Copenhagen, Aarhus merges coastal charm with advanced cycling solutions like smart parking and green-wave traffic signals. The city’s commitment to cycling goes beyond convenience—it’s a push for equity and affordable, healthy transportation options.

5. Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is quietly emerging as a European cycling innovator with expanded bike highways, car-free zones, and seamless public transit integration. Its forward-thinking infrastructure contributes to its ranking as one of the happiest and healthiest cities globally.

10. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a cycling powerhouse in its own right. Known for resilient infrastructure and bold urban design, the city is transforming itself to prioritize cyclists even in a traditionally car-centric environment.

11. Vancouver, Canada

The highest-ranking North American city, Vancouver boasts scenic ocean and mountain views alongside protected bike lanes. Though recent progress has slowed, early investments in cycling infrastructure continue to foster a stress-free, sustainable urban lifestyle.

Cycling: The Common Thread in Happy Cities

What unites these top cities? A clear priority on people over cars. Governments invest heavily in climate-friendly, safe, and active transportation infrastructure that benefits everyone—not just motorists. This approach doesn’t just reduce emissions; it generates “smiles per mile” through improved mental and physical health, reduced stress, and stronger community bonds.

North America’s Bike-Friendly Cities on the Rise

Notably, many North American cities within the Happy City Index’s top 100 have made significant investments in cycling infrastructure. Minneapolis stands out as the highest-ranked U.S. city, showing that bike-friendly policies can foster urban happiness here as well.

The Road to Happiness is Paved with Bike Lanes

The 2025 Happy City Index offers more than a ranking—it provides a blueprint for thriving cities worldwide. Whether you’re a city planner, policymaker, or simply someone who loves cycling, the message is clear: to create happier urban spaces, prioritize safe, accessible bike lanes.

As the world looks toward building sustainable, livable cities, the key to happiness may just be found on two wheels.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest insights on urban living, sustainability, and more. Your trusted source for news that moves you forward.

The post Happiest Cities Worldwide Lead in Bike-Friendly Living first appeared on Maple News Wire.