Ontario wins court battle to remove Toronto bike lanes

In a landmark ruling on Friday, Ontario’s highest

In a landmark ruling on Friday, Ontario’s highest court cleared the way for the provincial government to dismantle bike lanes on Toronto’s most congested arteries, reversing a lower court’s decision that had deemed the removal a breach of constitutional protections.

The appellate court’s verdict marks a major victory for Premier Doug Ford, whose administration has repeatedly criticized the dedicated cycling paths as a key contributor to the city’s worsening gridlock. Ford and his team have argued that reclaiming road space for vehicles is essential to easing traffic flow, a stance that has sparked fierce debate among urban planners and cycling advocates.

The legal battle began after the city of Toronto challenged the province’s directive to remove the lanes, with a lower court siding with the municipality and citing concerns about environmental and safety rights. However, the higher court determined that the province acted within its jurisdiction, stating that transportation policy decisions are a matter of governmental discretion rather than constitutional obligation.

Reacting to the decision, Ford called it a

Reacting to the decision, Ford called it a “victory for commuters” and reiterated his commitment to prioritizing car travel, while opponents vowed to continue fighting the move, warning that it would undermine efforts to promote sustainable transport and endanger cyclists.

With the legal hurdle cleared, the province is expected to proceed swiftly with the removal process, which could take effect in the coming months. The ruling also sets a precedent for other provincial governments seeking to override municipal cycling infrastructure policies, potentially reshaping urban mobility debates across Canada.