As one of its final actions before dissolving provincial parliament and calling an early election, the Doug Ford government is advancing plans to remove bike lanes on three of Toronto’s busiest streets: Bloor Street West, Yonge Street, and University Avenue.
The provincial government has hired an engineering firm to design the reinstatement of vehicle lanes, signaling its commitment to eliminating existing bike infrastructure. This move follows the passage of Bill 212, known as the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which mandates municipalities to seek provincial approval before constructing new bike lanes that remove traffic lanes. The act also grants the province authority to dismantle existing bike lanes, including the controversial lanes in question.
Premier Doug Ford, a vocal critic of bike lanes, defended the plan, stating, “Residents despise bike lanes,” and claiming the initiative will bring “sanity” back to roadways.
City staff previously estimated the removal of bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University would cost $48 million, a figure Ford dismissed as “hogwash.” However, no alternative cost estimate has been provided by the province to date.
The move to eliminate bike lanes has been met with significant opposition from cycling advocates and urban planners who argue that bike infrastructure improves road safety, reduces emissions, and supports active transportation. Toronto has seen an increase in cycling activity in recent years, with bike lanes on major corridors becoming an essential part of the city’s transportation network.
Critics argue that removing bike lanes will:
- Increase congestion by pushing cyclists back onto shared roadways.
- Undermine road safety, especially for vulnerable road users.
- Reverse progress on environmental and urban sustainability goals.
The timing of this decision has raised questions about its political motivations, as the Ford government gears up for an election. Some see it as a strategic move to appeal to suburban voters who may perceive bike lanes as contributing to gridlock.
While the Ford government is pressing ahead with this controversial plan, it remains to be seen how the decision will resonate with Toronto residents and voters across the province. The removal of bike lanes on these critical streets could become a key issue in the upcoming election, with both sides of the debate highlighting the broader implications for urban planning, sustainability, and commuter priorities in Ontario.
As the provincial government prepares to dissolve parliament and enter election mode, the fate of Toronto’s bike infrastructure hangs in the balance.