Cyclists could have new ways to get on and off Halifax's Macdonald Bridge by 2021.

Halifax municipal council will consider a proposal Tuesday to revamp the existing approaches that could cost as much as $7.3 million.

"If you're going to spend a lot of money on cycling, this is the spot to do it," said Sam Austin, councillor for District 5 (Dartmouth Centre) and a cyclist.

"The Macdonald Bridge will always be the central link."

Eliza Jackson, who chairs the board of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, agrees.

"It makes it more accessible for people of all ages and abilities," said Jackson.

"It will make it easier for anyone cycling in the city to cross the harbour."

Steep grades and busy roads

Cyclists have complained about the current access and exit ramps since a separate bike lane was installed about 18 years ago. In Halifax, they have to contend with steep grades and high volumes of traffic.

On the Dartmouth side, cyclists have to navigate the busy intersection of Wyse Road and Nantucket Avenue.

The latest proposal has cyclists coming from Dartmouth using side streets to get onto the cycling lane. New bike lanes would also be created along Wyse Road.

"The crosswalk at Faulkner Street [would] be a 'cross-ride,' where pedestrians and cyclists share," said Austin.

"They have them elsewhere in Canada so it's just a matter of updating our Motor Vehicle Act."

Flyover ramp

In Halifax, there could be a flyover ramp that would give cyclists a choice.

They could continue to circle under the bridge and use the Barrington Street Greenway and Brunswick Street.

Or they could turn onto the flyover ramp that would extend to the corner of North and Gottingen streets.

Construction of the ramp would also mean changes for public transit and drivers as the right-only turn lane would be eliminated. Vehicles would have to turn right at the lights.

The Halifax Cycling Coalition said it's impressed with the comprehensive approach city staff have taken toward the project.

"Looking at how to safely connect people cycling to the bridge ... that's really encouraging to see," said Jackson.