Toronto cyclists take fight over Ford’s bike lane removal to Supreme Court

Bike lanes! Save lives! Bike lanes! Save lives! In their latest legal challenge to the province, bike lane advocates are seeking support from the Supreme Court of Canada. The consequences of this case reach far beyond bike lanes and beyond Ontario. In July 2025, the Ontario Superior Court temporarily struck down parts of the province's act to remove protected bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge and University Avenue. At the time, Cycle Toronto argued that removing the lanes infringed on Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the right to life, liberty and security. But this past summer, the Court of Appeal overturned the Superior Court's decision, saying that bike lanes are a policy choice, not a constitutional right. Now biking advocates are seeking what's known as a leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. We are asking the Supreme Court to hear this case in order to provide clarity about the scope of the rights to life and security of the person protected by Section 7 of the Charter. It's all a part of an ongoing dispute over the impact of bike lanes in Toronto. The province says the lanes have increased congestion for commuters by taking up vehicle lanes, while advocates say they've made streets safer for those who use them, which includes users on all kinds of wheels. All I do is attach it and it effectively turns my everyday wheelchair into an e-bike. This power assist device allows Oda Alanizi to travel in bike lanes up to 30 kilometers an hour. He says without them, he's dependent on external services. It would be less mobility for me, less autonomy. I would have to rely on wheel trans, which is notoriously always late. When I have this option and I'm able to take the bike lanes, I almost always choose to do that because it's much quicker for me. In a statement, the Ministry of Transportation stands by the Court of Appeal's decision, saying in part, the decision was clear. It is illegitimate for courts to involve themselves in matters of legislative policy. The people of Ontario gave our government a clear mandate to tackle traffic that is costing our economy over $56 billion a year by removing the bike lanes on some of Toronto's busiest streets. The eco-justice lawyers expect it could take five or six months for their leave of appeal to be considered, meaning any planned work for these bike lanes won't be changed immediately. But it could prevent or change work planned for the spring, if granted. Mercedes Gastambide, CBC News, Toronto.