Toronto cyclists protest Bloor Street bike lane removals

Cyclists in Toronto have launched protests to block the removal of protected bike lanes along Bloor Street West. During a second day of demonstrations, police arrested a 25-year-old individual from Hamilton on charges of mischief and obstructing a peace officer.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is currently removing approximately one kilometre of lanes between Islington Avenue and Royal York Road. This work is the first phase of a broader provincial plan to overhaul up to 19 kilometres of protected lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University Avenue, a move the province describes as a measure for traffic relief.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that “these bike lanes are coming out,” despite the protests. Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, indicated that demonstrations are expected to continue “until further notice.”

The removal is the subject of an ongoing legal battle. While an Ontario Superior Court previously found the province’s law, Bill 212, posed safety risks to cyclists, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned that ruling, stating the matter fell under legislative policy. Cycle Toronto has announced intentions to bring the case to the Supreme Court of Canada.