Ford government begins removing nearly 20 kilometres of Toronto bike lanes

The Ford government has begun removing nearly 20 kilometres of protected bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue this week, following an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling in August that cleared the way for the removals.

Construction crews started work during a cyclist protest along Bloor Street West from Clissold Road to Royal York on Tuesday evening. The province is restoring motor vehicle lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, University Avenue, Queen's Park, Queen's Park Crescent and Avenue Road. Work began on Bloor Street West starting east of a section at Clissold Road where vehicle lanes were already restored in December 2025.

Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said at a news conference Tuesday: "We need to restore the vehicle lanes to stop the congestion." He added that he has spoken to many community members about the lanes.

Cycling has become a flashpoint in the municipal election campaign. Mayor Olivia Chow has vowed to fight back if re-elected, while Councillor Brad Bradford supports the removals, citing congestion concerns. Advocacy groups CycleTO and EcoJustice have sought leave to appeal the August decision with the Supreme Court of Canada.

A lower court ruled in July 2025 that bike lane removals violated Charter rights, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision. About 1,000 cyclists rode through Toronto in September to protest the removals. The full timeline and cost for completing the work, as well as which specific sections of each street are being targeted, have not been disclosed.