Cyclists Protest Province's Plan to Remove Toronto Bike Lanes

Dozens of cycling advocates took to the streets on Saturday to protest Premier Doug Ford's plan to remove nearly 20 kilometres of protected bike lanes across University Avenue, Bloor Street, and Yonge Street, according to CityNews Toronto.

While a lower court initially blocked the removal plan last summer due to unconstitutional risks to cyclist safety, CityNews Toronto reports that the Ontario Court of Appeal reversed that decision in August. The province has since issued a request for proposals (RFP) to study design options for restoring vehicle lanes on Avenue Road, Queen's Park, Queen's Park Crescent, Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue. The RFP aims to identify ways to reconfigure or retain bike lanes only where they do not increase gridlock.

Premier Ford has argued that bike lanes contribute to gridlock, referencing a Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis report that estimates gridlock costs Ontario $56 billion every year.

Opponents of the plan, including Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, argue that the lanes were placed intentionally through multiple city council votes under various mayors. Mayor Olivia Chow stated that the city offered a proposal to the province to restore traffic lanes while maintaining protected bike lanes, but CityNews Toronto reports the province rejected the offer and ended discussions.

Participants in the rally, including NDP MPP for Parkdale-High Park Alex Gilmour, emphasized that the lanes provide essential safety for children and commuters who use bicycles for work and shopping rather than just leisure.