Ford government wins court battle to remove downtown Toronto bike lanes

The Ford government has won a legal battle to remove several downtown Toronto bike lanes after the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned a lower court's decision. This ruling clears the path for the provincial government to dismantle protected lanes on parts of Yonge Street, University Avenue, and Bloor Street.

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decision for common sense and for respecting the appropriate division of roles between duly elected legislatures and the courts.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria hailed the decision as a victory for "common sense" and for respecting the separation of powers between elected officials and the judiciary. Justice Grant Huscroft, writing for the unanimous decision, stated it is "illegitimate for courts to involve themselves in matters of legislative policy," adding that "policy is for politics."

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It is illegitimate for courts to involve themselves in matters of legislative policy. Policy is for politics.

However, cycling advocacy group Cycle Toronto expressed strong disappointment. Executive Director Michael Longfield argued that the court's decision does not negate the facts that bike lanes do not cause traffic congestion and that their removal endangers cyclists. He also stressed that the bike lanes in question, particularly on Bloor West, had been approved multiple times by city council, framing the issue as a matter of respecting local democracy.

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We’re disappointed with the decision, but it does nothing to dispute the facts that bike lanes do not cause traffic congestion and ripping them out will put people’s lives at risk.

Cycle Toronto is reportedly exploring further legal options to challenge the removal. The group maintains that the fight is not solely about cyclists but also about upholding democratic processes at the local level.

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The bike lanes on Bloor West have been approved by city council multiple times. This is about bike lanes, but also about respecting local democracy.