Ontario Begins Dismantling Toronto Bike Lane Network

The Ford government is initiating the first phase of a plan to eliminate approximately 19 kilometers of protected bike lanes on major Toronto thoroughfares, starting with Bloor Street in Etobicoke on Tuesday, as reported by CityNews.

According to CityNews, the province's strategy targets bike lanes on University Avenue, Yonge Street, and Bloor Street. While the initial work begins this week, the province expects to start work on the remaining sections next spring. This move comes after the province rejected a proposal from Mayor Olivia Chow that would have restored vehicle lanes on parts of Bloor Street West while keeping cycling infrastructure intact.

**Why it matters**

The province is leveraging significant public support to override municipal transit planning. A Canada Pulse Insights poll conducted for CityNews between September 14 and 24, 2026, found that 62% of Torontonians support converting bike lanes back into motor vehicle lanes on major streets, while 38% oppose the move. The data shows a sharp divide in political alignment: 77% of supporters of mayoral candidate Brad Bradford favor the removals, while supporters of Mayor Olivia Chow are split 50-50. Additionally, 63% of undecided voters support the province's plan.

The conflict has now escalated to a legal battle. CityNews reports that lawyers and cycling advocates, who are currently pursuing a Charter challenge against the provincial legislation, intend to take their appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. These advocates argue the policy shift involves more than transportation, citing potential life-or-death consequences for road users.