The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled that the provincial government may dismantle roughly 19 kilometres of protected bike lanes on three of Toronto’s principal thoroughfares – Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue. The decision, issued on Tuesday afternoon, clears the way for the province to proceed with the removals despite ongoing objections from cycling advocates.
The judgment follows a legal challenge mounted by Cycle Toronto, an organization that has campaigned for expanded cycling infrastructure across the city. Representatives Michael Longfield and Trishla Parekh were listed among the parties contesting the province’s plan. The court’s finding affirms the province’s authority to alter the existing protected lane network on the specified routes.
If implemented, the removal will affect cyclists who rely on the dedicated lanes for commuting and recreation along the busy corridors. Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue serve as major east‑west and north‑south arteries, and the protected lanes have been a focal point of the city’s active‑transport strategy. The ruling could reshape daily routes for many riders, prompting a need to adjust travel plans or seek alternative paths.
The case highlights the tension between municipal efforts to promote cycling and provincial jurisdiction over road design. While the province retains the power to modify the infrastructure, the decision may influence future discussions about the balance of responsibilities for safe, accessible streets. The removal of the protected lanes is expected to proceed pending any further appeals or administrative steps, marking a significant shift in Toronto’s cycling landscape.