Ontario free to axe Toronto bike lanes, region’s top court rules
Summary
Ontario’s highest court has allowed the provincial government to remove bike lanes on Toronto’s busiest streets, overturning a lower court’s decision that said removing them would violate constitutional rights. The ruling supports Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to take away 19 km of bike lanes, despite concerns from city officials and cycling groups.Key Facts
- The Ontario government passed a law in 2024 to remove Toronto’s bike lanes.
- A lower court previously ruled that removing the bike lanes was unconstitutional because it might risk people’s safety.
- Ontario’s Court of Appeal overturned that decision, saying there is no legal right to bike lanes under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Cycling groups say bike lanes help keep cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers safer and reduce traffic problems.
- Toronto’s mayor is working with the province to find a solution that protects all road users.
- Removing the bike lanes could cost taxpayers about C$48 million according to a 2024 city report.
- Government staff warned that taking away bike lanes might not reduce traffic and could make it worse.
- Ontario’s court said the government can change laws even if experts think policies might fail.
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