Bike lane projects were back on the agenda at Halifax Regional Council this week with the mayor pushing for cost saving measures.

They were a hot button topic over the summer with the price of the AAA (all ages and abilities) Bicycle Network ballooning from $25 million to $85 million.

After a lengthy debate in council Tuesday, Andy Fillmore released a statement later that day advocating for staff to consider a new transportation network that does not cost as much.

Even if it does not meet the AAA design standard.

“We need to create a cost-effective transportation network that works for everyone. But during an affordability crisis, we can’t limit ourselves to the most expensive solutions,” reads the statement.

“Given the scale of cost escalation, it would be irresponsible not to examine any and all lower-cost alternative – including those that fall outside the AAA standard.”

Fillmore says it is not about scaling back the bike network but delivering a “cost-effective, complete system.”

Council vote in favour of functional design planning for Novalea Drive and Welsford Street but will keep the original design in Highfield Park.