Legal fund for Bloor bike lane protesters reaches $25,850 of $35,000 goal

Biking lawyer David Shellnutt launched a $35,000 GoFundMe this week to support people arrested during protests against the removal of Bloor Street West bike lanes. The fund had raised $25,850 at time of publication.

Funds will cover legal support, bike damage, and supplies for protesters. Four people have been arrested in connection with the demonstrations, facing charges of mischief and obstructing a peace officer.

Prajjwal Rajawat, 29, was arrested Monday, October 19 at Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue after police said he entered the bike lane during removal work, sat on a barrier, and refused to leave after multiple warnings. He faces charges of mischief and obstruct police.

Aly Van Wyck-Smart, 24, a Toronto paralympian in a wheelchair, was arrested October 15 at Bloor Street West and Royal York Road. Police alleged she positioned herself on the bike lane barrier, interfered with removal work, refused to leave after multiple requests, left her wheelchair, and moved to the middle of the bike lane. She also faces charges of mischief and obstruct peace officer.

Bike lane removal work began last Tuesday after the Ontario Court of Appeal cleared the way for the project to proceed. Demonstrations have continued throughout the removal process.

The funds are being administered by protest organizers, The Biking Lawyer LLP, and Friends and Families for Safe Streets. The Biking Lawyer LLP is coordinating legal services and connecting affected people to injury lawyers.