Let’s Go Together

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by David Trueman, chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, to talk about safer streets, the growth of cycling and micromobility, and what it really means to “share the road.” From cargo bikes and e-bikes to protected bike lanes and rural shoulders, David explains how better infrastructure, smarter laws, and small culture shifts can make cycling safer and more appealing—for everyone from weekend riders to parents biking kids to daycare. He also shares insights on Halifax’s best routes, the Cycling Guide app, and a little-known CAA benefit for cyclists. Whether you’re a driver trying to understand cyclists, a parent curious about cargo bikes, or someone who’d like to bike more but doesn’t feel safe yet, this episode offers grounded, local insight into building safer streets and happier riders. We cover cycling advocacy, cargo bikes, e-bikes and micromobility, Halifax’s cycling infrastructure, vulnerable road users, the Traffic Safety Act, lower-stress route planning, recreational routes in HRM, and CAA’s Bike Assist benefit. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – “It’s just physics that higher weight vehicles are more dangerous.” 00:06 – Julia introduces the episode: cycling, micromobility, and safer streets in Halifax 01:41 – Meet David Trueman and his path from tweeting about cycling to advocacy 02:23 – Founding Cycle Waterloo Region and moving back to Halifax Cycling Coalition 03:44 – David’s role at Halifax Cycling Coalition 04:06 – David’s cycling journey, including Ottawa–Halifax by bike 05:10 – Seeing cycling from the perspective of people who feel unsafe 05:49 – Biking his grandson to daycare on an e-cargo bike 06:50 – The rise of cargo bikes and “kids as cargo” 07:16 – Kidical Mass and family-focused rides 08:24 – Fuel prices, transit, and mode shift 09:55 – Why transportation choice matters 10:45 – Measuring Halifax’s cycling boom and annual growth 11:26 – How new bike lanes boost usage across networks 11:39 – Connected networks and where Halifax is lagging 12:04 – Halifax’s national ranking and lessons from other cities 12:48 – E-bikes and making cycling more accessible 13:19 – Micromobility and policy challenges 15:07 – Why protected, connected networks matter 15:22 – Sidewalk riders and the hierarchy of vulnerability 16:09 – Respect between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians 16:44 – Weight, physics, and responsibility 17:39 – SUVs, trucks, sightlines, and heavier vehicles 18:42 – Street design and safety for everyone 20:01 – Speed and lane width 20:45 – Door zones and safe cycling practices 21:55 – CAA’s Bike Assist benefit 22:31 – Everyday Membership for people without cars 24:13 – David’s wish list: a connected bike network in HRM 24:36 – Why one unsafe gap can make a trip a “no go” 25:01 – Extending safe cycling into suburban and rural HRM 26:15 – Recreation vs. transportation 26:40 – “Recreational cycling is a gateway drug” to commuting 27:13 – Fitness, transportation, and saving money 27:43 – Why cycling works well into older age 28:44 – The Traffic Safety Act and vulnerable road users 29:06 – Higher fines and judicial tools for collisions 29:50 – Law, enforcement, and public perception 30:09 – Introducing the Cycling Guide app 31:02 – Colour-coded routes and lower-stress navigation 31:36 – Finding quieter, friendlier routes 32:07 – Cycling Guide’s expansion into Canadian cities 32:44 – The struggle to get good-news cycling stories covered 34:12 – Point Pleasant Park and beginner-friendly riding 34:26 – Chain of Lakes Trail, BLT, and St. Margaret’s Bay Trail 35:23 – Salt Marsh Trail 36:04 – Shubie Park 36:42 – Cogswell Interchange and new connections 37:38 – Brunswick Street protected lane 38:10 – Progress and the need for complete networks 38:10 – David’s takeaway: hierarchy, respect, and lost momentum 38:58 – Aggressive driving and 2025 injury collision statistics 39:26 – Aggressive vs. distracted driving 40:39 – Rapid-fire cycling questions 41:44 – What people get wrong about cyclists 42:35 – The one habit David wishes every driver would adopt: ignore the phone 43:23 – Why distracted driving is terrifying for cyclists 43:54 – David’s favourite CAA benefit 44:07 – What “share the road” really means 44:12 – Cycling Guide expanding province-wide across Nova Scotia 44:46 – Other cycling apps and resources 45:21 – Closing thoughts and thanks Resources Mentioned: Halifax Cycling Coalition: https://cyclehalifax.ca Cycling Guide App: https://cyclingguide.org Kidical Mass Halifax: https://www.kidicalmasshfx.ca CAA Atlantic Bike Assist & Everyday Membership: https://atlantic.caa.ca CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: @caaatlantic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic LinkedIn: CAA Atlantic IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca!

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Katherine Hutka from the IWK’s Child Safety Link and president of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada to make car-seat safety feel a little less overwhelming. From the first drive home with a newborn to rear-facing seats, five-point harnesses, boosters and the eventual move to an adult seat belt, Katherine explains what parents and caregivers need to know at every stage. She also addresses common mistakes involving installation angles, top tethers, winter coats and moving children into the front seat too soon. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s first journey, wondering whether your child is ready for a booster, or trying to keep up with changing guidance, this episode offers practical, trusted advice to help protect your most important passengers on every ride. We cover car seat safety from the first ride home to the day your child graduates out of a booster: Newborn Stage: Leaving the Hospital Safely Forward-Facing Seats & Top Tether Booster Seats & Maturity Front Seat Safety Winter Coats & Car Seats Trusted Resources & Getting Help Chapters: 00:00 – Why child passenger safety feels so overwhelming 02:00 – Introducing guest expert Katherine Hootka 04:30 – Newborns, leaving the hospital, and car seat angle basics 07:25 – Harness tightness, chest clips, and infant inserts 11:00 – Moving from bucket seat to rear-facing convertible 13:20 – Why rear-facing longer is so much safer 17:00 – Forward-facing, 5-point harness, and top tether use 18:30 – When (and when NOT) to move to a booster seat 23:10 – High-back vs. backless boosters 24:30 – The 5-step test to get out of a booster 28:15 – When can kids safely sit in the front seat? 31:10 – Winter coats, snowsuits, and car seat safety 34:00 – Where to find local help & trusted resources 37:20 – What parents are getting right more than they realize 40:45 – What gives Katherine the most hope 43:50 – Final thoughts: never skipping the safety Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada: Caregiver resources, positions, Find‑a‑Tech map. [cpsac.org] Child Safety Link: Stage‑by‑stage guides, booster & seat belt fit, winter wear tips, Atlantic travel notes. [childsafetylink.ca] Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs: Practical tip sheets, top‑tether troubleshooting, travel with car seats. [vicarseattechs.com] Recalls: Check CPSAC’s quick‑reference recall list and confirm with Transport Canada/manufacturers. [cpsac.org] CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: / caaatlantic Facebook: / caaatlantic LinkedIn: / caa-atlantic ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

Season 2 is coming 🔥 New production. New voices. New conversations. 🎙️ @podstarter 👀 Expert guests dropping soon #LetsGoTogether #Season2 #PodcastLaunch #ComingSoon CAA Atlantic’s Let’s Go Together podcast is back for season 2 – dropping soon! CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: / caaatlantic Facebook: / caaatlantic LinkedIn: / caa-atlantic ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Kurt Sampson, CAA’s EV guru, to cut through the headlines and misinformation around EVs - and talk honestly about what’s working, what isn’t, and what comes next. With rebates re-introduced, new EVs entering the market, and big questions about affordability, charging and the power grid, this conversation focuses on what Atlantic Canadians need to know before making the switch. Whether you’re EV‑curious, skeptical, or already driving electric, this episode offers practical, fact‑based insight to help you make informed decisions. EPISODE LINKS: PlugShare https://www.plugshare.com/ Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada (EVAAC) https://www.evaac.ca/ Next Ride https://nextridens.com CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: / caaatlantic F acebook: / caaatlantic LinkedIn: / caa-atlantic LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: YouTube: • Let's Go Together Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ttVKZz... ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, host Julia Kent sits down with Trudy‑Ann Ritter, Manager of Travel Insurance & Learning Development at CAA Atlantic, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of travel planning: travel insurance. Many Atlantic Canadians don’t realize that even a quick trip across a provincial border - or a weekend away within Canada - can leave you vulnerable to major costs without the right coverage. Together, we break down what travel insurance actually covers, how advisory levels impact your protection, why credit card coverage may not be enough, and real‑world examples of how quickly medical bills can climb when you’re far from home. Whether you’re planning a sunny escape, a cross‑Canada road trip, or welcoming visitors from abroad, this episode gives you the essentials to travel smarter and safer. EPISODE LINKS CAA Travel Insurance https://atlantic.caa.ca/insurance/travel-insurance Travel Advisories, Government of Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories CAA Gift Cards https://caagiftcards.com/ CAA Dollars https://atlantic.caa.ca/membership/caa-dollars CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caaatlantic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caa-atlantic/ LISTEN/SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQMLH9QVnNUsv-wOwi56_uFndmb4UPbAG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lets-go-together/id1829536961 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ttVKZzADVL9lQuoiHqsoE ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, Danny Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of what really happens from the moment you call CAA to the arrival of help. As we explore the step-by-step process of roadside rescue, Danny shares what it’s like to work on the shoulder of busy highways, the critical importance of SDMO (Slow Down, Move Over) laws, and the challenges and rewards of keeping drivers safe in high-risk situations. Cost of poor roads study: https://www.caa.ca/news/poor-roads-cost-canadians-3-billion- annually-caa-study/ Otto, CAA’s new tire service that comes to you: https://www.ottomobile.ca/ CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: Instagram Facebook: (1) Facebook LinkedIn: / caa-atlantic ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, we sit down with Karen Stanley, vice president of marketing and member experience at CAA Atlantic, to dive into what truly defines CAA membership. Karen shares insights on how CAA delivers exceptional member value while staying rooted in the company’s core values. From everyday benefits to the principles that guide every decision, this conversation explores why value and values go hand in hand - and how they shape the experience for members and employees alike.

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast by CAA Atlantic, we sit down with Dawn Dalley, President & CEO of CAA Atlantic, to explore what it means to lead with intention. Dawn shares her perspective on motivating teams, creating a culture where people love to come to work, and where empathy drives performance.

Welcome to the Let’s Go Together Podcast by CAA Atlantic! In episode 3, we welcome Martyn Sibbald, chief strategy & innovation officer at CAA Atlantic, to explore the story behind Otto, CAA’s new mobile tire service.

Host Julia Kent sits down with Melissa Churchill - CAA Dartmouth Branch Manager and seasoned travel expert for an inspiring conversation about our cherished community partner: Dreams Take Flight. Melissa explores how this incredible organization helps make magical travel experiences possible for children across Atlantic Canada.

Welcome to the Let’s Go Together Podcast from CAA Atlantic! In our pilot episode, Shane Coupland joins host Julia Kent for a fascinating discussion on trends in the travel industry. Coupland, director of travel and retail for CAA Atlantic, brings his passionate perspective on what’s new and hot in the world of leisure travel for Atlantic Canadians. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca