Ontario Court of Appeal Clears Way for Removal of Toronto Bike Lanes

The Court of Appeal for Ontario ruled Friday that the government led by Premier Doug Ford can proceed with the removal of 19 kilometres of protected bike lanes in Toronto, as CBC Toronto first reported. The decision reverses a July 2025 ruling by Justice Paul Schabas, who had previously found the province's plan unconstitutional on the grounds that it increased the risk of harm and death.

The targeted infrastructure spans Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue, based on legislation passed at Queen’s Park in 2024. While the Ford government argues the removals will alleviate traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto Area, CBC Toronto reports that internal ministry documents and emails revealed the government was aware the move might not meaningfully impact congestion and could increase collisions.

In the ruling, the three-judge panel stated there is no constitutional obligation to regulate roads in a specific manner and noted that legislative policy is not arbitrary even if experts and advisors predict it will fail. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario's transportation minister, called the decision a "victory for common sense."

Critics of the decision, including Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, argue the move ignores evidence-based decision-making and puts lives at risk. Meanwhile, the provincial Liberals suggested the move is part of a broader effort by Doug Ford to control city-planning.

Braman Thillainathan, spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow, stated the city has been attempting to reach an agreement with the province to restore vehicle lanes while maintaining cyclist safety. Thillainathan noted that work had already been completed to restore a car lane while keeping a bike lane on a section of Bloor Street W. between Islington Avenue and Kipling Avenue.