Ontario Removes Toronto Bike Lanes Amid Protests and Arrests

The Government of Ontario is removing 19 kilometres of protected bike lanes across Toronto, including stretches on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street, to reduce traffic congestion. The project faced significant disruption in Etobicoke, where cycling advocates spent three consecutive days blocking construction vehicles and forming human chains on Bloor Street West. These actions forced several trucks to leave without completing work on Tuesday evening.

By Wednesday and Thursday, the removals proceeded under heavy police escort from the Toronto Police Service, including the Public Safety Response Team. Police arrested two individuals, including 25-year-old Nina Thi Thi Tran, on charges of mischief and obstructing a peace officer. While some local business owners welcomed the changes for improving parking, advocates warned the move increases collision risks.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria defended the removals as a mandate to address economic costs associated with traffic. The provincial government previously won a Court of Appeal case against the advocacy group CycleToronto, which is now seeking leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.