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Connecting Nova Scotia with one continuous, comfortable, convenient cycling route network

Introducing The Blue Route

The Blue Route is a province-wide project to create a continuous network of cycling infrastructure. By developing safe, well-connected cycling routes, the Blue Route will make it easier for Nova Scotians to get around the province by bike.

Finding your way

The network will use a comprehensive wayfinding system allowing users to easily navigate. Click here to view the Wayfinding Guide.

A Safer Ride

The Blue Route will help to establish and promote a consistent set of design and signage guidelines for cycling routes in Nova Scotia.

Blue Route Concept

3,000 km of connected cycling routes.

Shared Lanes

Rural roads and quiet streets with low traffic volumes and low speeds can be comfortable environments for cyclists and motorists to share the road with no special provisions.

Rural roads and quiet streets with low traffic volumes and low speeds can be comfortable environments for cyclists and motorists to share the road with no special provisions.

Paved Shoulders

Paved shoulders, generally 1.0 - 1.75m wide, can safely be used by cyclists on many busier, faster roads and secondary highways.

Paved shoulders, generally 1.0 - 1.75m wide, can safely be used by cyclists on many busier, faster roads and secondary highways.

Bike Lanes and Local Street Bikeways

Bike lanes, typically 1.5 - 1.8m wide, are designated exclusively for cycling and can be effective on streets with higher traffic volumes and higher travel speeds. Local street bikeways use quiet neighbourhood streets as shared routes and incorporate special design features to make sharing the road safer and more comfortable for all road users.

Bike lanes, typically 1.5 - 1.8m wide, are designated exclusively for cycling and can be effective on streets with higher traffic volumes and higher travel speeds. Local street bikeways use quiet neighbourhood streets as shared routes and incorporate special design features to make sharing the road safer and more comfortable for all road users.

Trails

Multi-use trails are typically 2 - 4m wide and are ideal places to cycle away from road traffic. Cycle-friendly trails have a crushed stone or paved travel way and provide connection points with communities and access to amenities.

Multi-use trails are typically 2 - 4m wide and are ideal places to cycle away from road traffic. Cycle-friendly trails have a crushed stone or paved travel way and provide connection points with communities and access to amenities.

Who benefits from blue route?

All Nova Scotians

Blue Route will become an integral part of daily life in communities across Nova Scotia, providing infrastructure for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether cycling is part of your daily commute, or reserved for weekend excursions, Blue Route makes it easier and safer to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Province

In addition to helping our provincial government achieve its active transportation mandate, thereby improving upon health and activity levels, Blue Route will increase Nova Scotia’s appeal to visitors wanting to explore our province by bike.

Local Government

The Blue Route team is working with First Nations, municipalities, and communities to identify new opportunities for making cycling a more accessible option for transportation and recreation, as well as to promote economic development and tourism growth through additional cycling initiatives.

Local Businesses

Cycling has never been more popular worldwide. Blue Route gives local businesses the opportunity to benefit from increased cycling traffic. For example, businesses could offer services to those who use the network and orient their marketing toward customers who arrive by cycling.

Trail Organizations

Clear and effective way-finding, on trails well suited for cycling, will encourage more cyclists to explore the many trails available to them. Collaborating with community trail associations will be fundamental to integrating strategic trails into the Blue Route network.

Blue Route News >

Blue Route Team

Blue Route is a collaborative project between Cycling Nova Scotia and its many supporters.


Cycling Nova Scotia
Department of Public Works
Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Department of Public Health
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Tourism Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow