In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by David Trueman, chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, to talk about safer streets, the growth of cycling and micromobility, and what it really means to “share the road.” From cargo bikes and e-bikes to protected bike lanes and rural shoulders, David explains how better infrastructure, smarter laws, and small culture shifts can make cycling safer and more appealing—for everyone from weekend riders to parents biking kids to daycare. He also shares insights on Halifax’s best routes, the Cycling Guide app, and a little-known CAA benefit for cyclists. Whether you’re a driver trying to understand cyclists, a parent curious about cargo bikes, or someone who’d like to bike more but doesn’t feel safe yet, this episode offers grounded, local insight into building safer streets and happier riders. We cover cycling advocacy, cargo bikes, e-bikes and micromobility, Halifax’s cycling infrastructure, vulnerable road users, the Traffic Safety Act, lower-stress route planning, recreational routes in HRM, and CAA’s Bike Assist benefit. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – “It’s just physics that higher weight vehicles are more dangerous.”00:06 – Julia introduces the episode: cycling, micromobility, and safer streets in Halifax01:41 – Meet David Trueman and his path from tweeting about cycling to advocacy02:23 – Founding Cycle Waterloo Region and moving back to Halifax Cycling Coalition03:44 – David’s role at Halifax Cycling Coalition04:06 – David’s cycling journey, including Ottawa–Halifax by bike05:10 – Seeing cycling from the perspective of people who feel unsafe05:49 – Biking his grandson to daycare on an e-cargo bike06:50 – The rise of cargo bikes and “kids as cargo”07:16 – Kidical Mass and family-focused rides08:24 – Fuel prices, transit, and mode shift09:55 – Why transportation choice matters10:45 – Measuring Halifax’s cycling boom and annual growth11:26 – How new bike lanes boost usage across networks11:39 – Connected networks and where Halifax is lagging12:04 – Halifax’s national ranking and lessons from other cities12:48 – E-bikes and making cycling more accessible13:19 – Micromobility and policy challenges15:07 – Why protected, connected networks matter15:22 – Sidewalk riders and the hierarchy of vulnerability16:09 – Respect between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians16:44 – Weight, physics, and responsibility17:39 – SUVs, trucks, sightlines, and heavier vehicles18:42 – Street design and safety for everyone20:01 – Speed and lane width20:45 – Door zones and safe cycling practices21:55 – CAA’s Bike Assist benefit22:31 – Everyday Membership for people without cars24:13 – David’s wish list: a connected bike network in HRM24:36 – Why one unsafe gap can make a trip a “no go”25:01 – Extending safe cycling into suburban and rural HRM26:15 – Recreation vs. transportation26:40 – “Recreational cycling is a gateway drug” to commuting27:13 – Fitness, transportation, and saving money27:43 – Why cycling works well into older age28:44 – The Traffic Safety Act and vulnerable road users29:06 – Higher fines and judicial tools for collisions29:50 – Law, enforcement, and public perception30:09 – Introducing the Cycling Guide app31:02 – Colour-coded routes and lower-stress navigation31:36 – Finding quieter, friendlier routes32:07 – Cycling Guide’s expansion into Canadian cities32:44 – The struggle to get good-news cycling stories covered34:12 – Point Pleasant Park and beginner-friendly riding34:26 – Chain of Lakes Trail, BLT, and St. Margaret’s Bay Trail35:23 – Salt Marsh Trail36:04 – Shubie Park36:42 – Cogswell Interchange and new connections37:38 – Brunswick Street protected lane38:10 – Progress and the need for complete networks38:10 – David’s takeaway: hierarchy, respect, and lost momentum38:58 – Aggressive driving and 2025 injury collision statistics39:26 – Aggressive vs. distracted driving40:39 – Rapid-fire cycling questions41:44 – What people get wrong about cyclists42:35 – The one habit David wishes every driver would adopt: ignore the phone43:23 – Why distracted driving is terrifying for cyclists43:54 – David’s favourite CAA benefit44:07 – What “share the road” really means44:12 – Cycling Guide expanding province-wide across Nova Scotia44:46 – Other cycling apps and resources45:21 – Closing thoughts and thanks Resources Mentioned: Halifax Cycling Coalition: https://cyclehalifax.caCycling Guide App: https://cyclingguide.orgKidical Mass Halifax: https://www.kidicalmasshfx.caCAA Atlantic Bike Assist & Everyday Membership: https://atlantic.caa.caCONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/Instagram: @caaatlanticFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlanticLinkedIn: CAA Atlantic IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca!
