Premier Doug Ford’s administration has been given the green light by the Court of Appeal for Ontario to remove 19 kilometers of protected bicycle lanes in Toronto. This decision overturns a previous ruling from July 2025 that had blocked the removal. The legislation allowing the removal of bike lanes along Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue was enacted in 2024 but faced legal challenges from Cycle Toronto and other advocacy groups.
The 2025 ruling by Justice Paul Schabas, which deemed the removal unconstitutional due to safety concerns, has been overturned by a panel of three appeal court judges. The judges stated that there is no constitutional requirement to dictate road usage regulations. The Ford government has argued that eliminating the bike lanes would alleviate traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto Area.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria welcomed the court’s decision as a victory for common sense and the proper separation of powers between elected officials and the judiciary. The Ministry of Transportation has yet to announce when the removal of bike lanes will commence.
Opponents of the decision, including Cycle Toronto’s executive director Michael Longfield, emphasize that bike lanes do not contribute to traffic congestion and their removal could jeopardize public safety. They criticize the government for disregarding expert opinions that removing the lanes may not achieve its intended goal of reducing congestion.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s office has expressed a commitment to finding a solution that balances the needs of all road users. Mayoral candidate Brad Bradford supports the court’s decision, advocating for local governments to have authority over street planning. He urged the province to collaborate with the city and the incoming mayor to determine the next steps regarding bike lane removals.
Chow, in response to the court ruling, expressed disappointment in Bradford’s stance and emphasized the importance of municipal autonomy in decision-making processes. The ongoing debate underscores the complexity of balancing transportation needs and safety concerns in urban planning.