[REVISION HISTORY]

Toronto bike lane removal protests

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-20 18:08 UTC → 2026-10-21 02:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following a provincial government mandate, construction began in mid-October 2026 to remove protected bike lanes on Bloor Street West in Etobicoke. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is currently removing a one-kilometre section between Islington Avenue and Royal York Road as the first phase of a broader plan to overhaul up to 19 kilometres of lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University Avenue to provide traffic relief. Planned removals also include sections of Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent, and Avenue Road. The removal has triggered significant opposition and demonstrations from cycling advocacy groups, such as Cycle Toronto and Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists. Protesters have occupied lanes to disrupt construction, leading to police interventions. As of October 20, Toronto police have arrested a fourth person during ongoing demonstrations centered around the Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue corridor. In response to the removals, a shrine to victims of road violence has been erected at Tom Riley Park, which serves as a central meeting point for protesters. The project is also the subject of legal disputes. While a lower court previously ruled that the province’s legislation, Bill 212, posed unconstitutional safety risks to ~~cyclists, the~~ cyclists—noting that removals could place individuals at “increased risk of harm and death”—the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned that decision, affirming the province’s authority to redesign public roadways. Cycle Toronto has indicated intentions to appeal the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada. Recent developments clarify the legislative framework driving these changes. Under Bill 60, the “Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act,” the provincial government led by Premier Doug Ford has gained the authority to prohibit municipalities from installing cycling lanes that occupy general traffic lanes without ministerial approval. This legislation allows the province to override Toronto City Council decisions regarding major routes. Protests have also been organized by groups such as Friends & Families for Safe Streets (FFSS) to oppose the removals.

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