Ontario Judge Saves Toronto Bike Lanes

In a potentially unprecedented move, an Ontario judge blocked the provincial government’s plan to remove bike lanes in Toronto, calling the decision unconstitutional. The court ruled that removing the three bike lanes in question “will put people at increased risk of harm and death, which engages the right to life and security of the person.”

As Julia Alevato explains for CBC News, “The province has been pushing for the removals as a solution to Toronto's traffic congestion, but cyclists and advocates say bike lanes are crucial for public safety and that removing them won't solve traffic concerns.” The judge concluded the removals would not reduce congestion — in fact, that bike lanes do so by offering an alternative method of transportation.

The removal of the bike lanes was a campaign issue for Premier Doug Ford, who promised to remove the bike lanes despite opposition from Toronto’s mayor and bike advocacy groups. According to a city spokesperson, “The city is tackling the root causes of congestion by hiring traffic agents, speeding up construction, and improving subways, streetcars, and buses so more people take public transit.”