Building Confidence and Community: Halifax Cycling Experiences 2024
Cycling is gaining momentum in Halifax, not just as a mode of transportation but as a movement toward a more connected and sustainable city. Thanks to Nova Scotia by Bike in partnership with the Halifax Cycling Coalition (HCC), the Cycling Experiences program helped residents hit the streets with newfound confidence, skills, and a supportive community.
The initiative, now in its second year, has grown from engaging 20+ participants to nearly 100 in 2024, underscoring its success and appeal. In partnership with Nova Scotia by Bike and its coordinator, Sara Farias, the program combines advocacy, community-driven programs, and skill-building activities to make cycling safe, accessible, and empowering for everyone.
“The goal of Cycling Experiences is to build confidence, empower people, and get them connected with the community,” Sara shared. “Cycling is not just about the equipment; it’s about helping people overcome fears and barriers, like fixing a flat tire or riding long distances.”
Grant Award: $5,000
The program begins with hands-on workshops focused on essential bike maintenance skills—air, brakes, and chain care (ABC). Participants receive a tool kit to encourage continued practice and self-sufficiency. After mastering these foundational skills, participants take part in a range of cycling experiences designed to progressively build confidence and capability:
City Rides: Routes through Halifax and Dartmouth, ranging from 10 km to 17 km, focused on safety and shared road practices.
Adventure Rides: Trail-based journeys up to 40 km, blending exploration with skill-building.
Endurance Rides: Challenging 60-70 km rides that introduce advanced bike maintenance and nutrition techniques.
The program has successfully created a welcoming space for participants to build skills and connect with others in the cycling community. However, maintaining participant continuity across program phases remains a challenge. To address this, HCC plans to implement programming that balances open enrollment with strategies to foster stronger participant relationships.
Support from HCi3, the Province of Nova Scotia, and HRM City Council has allowed the program to expand its reach and inclusivity. In 2024, HCC developed multilingual workshop booklets in French, Farsi, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, and Ukrainian. These resources, distributed to local bike shops, ensure that the program is accessible to a broader range of participants.
“Cycling doesn’t require a $7,000 bike or special shoes,” Sara explained. “It’s about knowing your bike, understanding your body, and empowering yourself to enjoy the experience.”
Looking ahead, Nova Scotia by Bike aims to expand the Cycling Experiences program to other communities, such as Bedford and Truro, and train more facilitators to meet the growing demand for cycling education. Future HCC activities may include launching an adult learn-to-ride program, further broadening access to cycling for new participants.