Ford's War on Bike Lanes: Queen's Park Prioritizes 905 Traffic Over Municipal Transit Safety

**OPINION:** From my vantage point at Queen's Park, it has become increasingly clear that Premier Doug Ford is treating Toronto's transit infrastructure as a political football. By aggressively targeting bike lanes, the province is signaling its 'anti-war on cars' credentials to the 905, regardless of the municipal chaos and safety risks it creates for the people of Toronto.

As CityNews Toronto first reported, this friction reached a boiling point on October 31, 2026, as cycling advocates gathered at Queen's Park to protest the provincial government's decision to dismantle bike lanes across the city. The demonstration followed a Friday announcement from Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria confirming that a 1.2-kilometre segment of bike lanes on Bloor Street West in Etobicoke had been officially taken down.

Speaking to CP24 Breakfast, Minister Sarkaria defended the move by citing low usage of the lanes and claiming the province heard from local communities. He further noted that the remaining removals would occur during the next construction cycle. The provincial government maintains that removing lanes on Avenue Road, Yonge Street, Bloor Street, and around Queen's Park is necessary to ease traffic congestion.

However, the human cost of this provincial mandate is becoming evident. CityNews Toronto reports that the removal process on Bloor Street West has already led to tension between construction crews and protesters, resulting in the arrest of four individuals on mischief charges. Michael Longfield, executive director of the member-supported charity Cycle Toronto, expressed concern over the unease between police and the cycling community, though he remains optimistic. Longfield noted that while the Premier may have taken one kilometre, advocates are prepared to defend the remaining 18.

Beyond the political clash, the removals impact the most vulnerable. Oda Al-anizi, a disability rights advocate with a spinal cord injury, told CityNews Toronto that he relies on bike lanes via an e-bike attachment to his wheelchair for work and social interaction. Al-anizi warned that without dedicated spaces, drivers can become aggressive or fail to see him, making the lanes essential for his safety.

While the province pushes ahead, the battle has moved to the courts. According to CityNews Toronto, Cycle Toronto and other advocacy groups are seeking intervention from the Supreme Court of Canada, appealing a ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal that allowed the removal of protected lanes. Longfield suggested that the provincial government may still be open to changing its mind, pointing out that Toronto voters have continued to support strong cycling voices, including the re-election of Mayor Olivia Chow.