Ontario’s government recently announced intentions to remove bike lanes on Toronto’s Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue, stirring substantial backlash from city officials and the cycling community. The proposed regulation, introduced by Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, would give the province the authority to remove bike lanes that take away a lane of vehicle traffic. The province claims that bike lanes contribute to congestion and negatively impact local businesses, though this assertion is disputed by both the city and numerous advocacy groups.

Sarkaria clarified that the proposal could lead to the complete removal of bike lanes on these major streets. The plan includes a thorough review to determine where vehicle lanes might replace bike infrastructure.

Mayor Olivia Chow and City Officials Oppose Removal Efforts

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow voiced strong opposition, describing the province’s plan as “arbitrary and not grounded in evidence.” According to Chow, the installation of these bike lanes followed years of careful study, community consultation, and multiple city council votes. She argued that dismantling the lanes would not alleviate congestion and would ultimately harm both cyclist safety and the city’s environmental goals.

Chow highlighted that the city’s data, collected since the bike lanes were installed, shows increased cyclist usage, especially during peak seasons, reflecting a clear public demand for safe biking options.

Why Bike Lanes and Helmet Use Are Crucial for Safety

Dedicated bike lanes play a fundamental role in urban safety by providing cyclists with a protected space, reducing the risk of accidents with motor vehicles. By separating cyclists from car traffic, bike lanes significantly lower the chance of severe injuries and fatalities. Helmets further enhance safety, offering critical protection in the event of falls or collisions.

Without dedicated lanes, cyclists are forced to share lanes with cars, buses, and trucks, which makes them more vulnerable to accidents. Public health experts agree that safe bike infrastructure, coupled with helmet usage, is essential to foster a secure and accessible urban cycling environment.

Economic Impact: Business Leaders Defend Bike Lanes

Contrary to the provincial claim that bike lanes harm businesses, many local business leaders have expressed support for them. The Bloor-Annex Business Improvement Area (BIA), for example, stated that customer spending has increased since the installation of bike lanes on Bloor Street. Brian Burchell, BIA’s general manager, argued that “bike lanes promote main street economic activity,” contrasting them with highways, which typically do not.

Provincial Arguments for Removal and Public Backlash

Minister Sarkaria argues that bike lanes are responsible for significant traffic delays, citing that only 1.2% of commuters use the bike lanes, while 70% drive. He asserted that removing bike lanes would help alleviate congestion, as vehicle lanes would be restored. However, city data suggests that construction projects, rather than bike lanes, are the primary contributors to congestion on these streets.

The city’s research also indicates that bike lanes can ease congestion by offering drivers alternative commuting methods and reducing emissions, aligning with Toronto’s environmental and sustainability goals. Last week, hundreds of cyclists, supported by politicians, rallied at Queen’s Park to oppose the proposed bill, emphasizing the importance of safe and sustainable urban transit.

Next Steps and Public Comments

The proposed regulation is open for public input until November 20. Mayor Chow has pledged to continue advocating for Toronto’s bike lanes, underscoring the importance of evidence-based, collaborative decision-making. The city is hopeful that its data and research will support keeping these lanes in place as a safe, eco-friendly option for Toronto’s growing population of cyclists.