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

Introducing The Blue Route

The Blue Route is a province-wide project to create a continuous network of bicycling infrastructure. By developing safe, well-connected bicycle 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 bicycle routes in Nova Scotia.

Blue Route Concept

3,000 km of connected bike routes.

Shared Lanes

Rural roads and quiet streets with low traffic volumes and low speeds can be comfortable environments for bicyclists 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 bicyclists 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 bicyclists on many busier, faster roads and secondary highways.

Paved shoulders, generally 1.0 - 1.75m wide, can safely be used by bicyclists 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 bicycles 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 bicycles 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 ride a bicycle away from road traffic. Bicycle-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 ride a bicycle away from road traffic. Bicycle-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 bicyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether bicycling 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 bicycle.

Local Government

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

Local Businesses

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

Trail Organizations

Clear and effective way-finding, on trails well suited for bicycles, will encourage more bicyclists 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 Bicycle Nova Scotia and its many supporters.


Bicycle Nova Scotia
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Health and Wellness
Department of Energy
Tourism Nova Scotia
The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities
Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow