Premier Doug Ford’s government has been granted the authority to remove 19 kilometers of protected bike lanes in Toronto, as ruled by the Court of Appeal for Ontario on Friday. This decision overturns a previous ruling from July 2025. The legislation allowing the removal of bike lanes along Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue was initially passed in 2024 at Queen’s Park. Despite legal challenges from Cycle Toronto and others, the infrastructure remained on Toronto’s streets.
In the 2025 ruling, Ontario Superior Court Justice Paul Schabas deemed the removal unconstitutional, citing increased risks of harm and death which infringe on the right to life and security of individuals. However, a panel of three Appeal Court judges stated that there is no constitutional obligation to dictate road usage. The Ford government argues that removing the bike lanes would alleviate traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Appeal Court judges emphasized that the negative impacts of removing bike lanes were overstated in Schabas’s ruling. They clarified that potential injuries and deaths would only occur if cyclists chose to ride on roads lacking bike lanes. Ontario’s Transportation Minister, Prabmeet Sarkaria, welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a victory for common sense and respecting the roles of elected legislatures and the courts.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s office expressed efforts to collaborate with the province to restore vehicle lanes while ensuring cyclist safety. However, mayoral candidate Brad Bradford believes decisions on bike lane placement should be made by elected governments rather than through legal proceedings. He urged the province to allow the city to take the lead in these matters.
The ruling has sparked debates between various political figures, with differing views on the implications of removing bike lanes. Despite the court’s decision, the controversy surrounding bike lanes in Toronto continues to be a contentious issue among policymakers and community members.