Ontario Bike Lane Removal Law Ruled Unconstitutional

Ontario Superior Court Justice Paul Schabas ruled that Premier Doug Ford’s legislation to remove 19 kilometres of protected bike lanes from major Toronto streets is unconstitutional, citing increased risks to cyclists and a lack of evidence that the change would ease congestion. The court found the law violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by knowingly endangering vulnerable road users, and labeled the measure as arbitrary. The legal challenge was brought by Cycle Toronto and individual cyclists, who argued the law threatened lives for political gain. The Ford government, which plans to appeal the ruling, maintains its intent to restore traffic flow by shifting bike lanes to secondary roads. Advocacy groups and many Ontarians have welcomed the decision as a victory for cyclist safety and urban mobility. The ruling also establishes that municipalities must now seek provincial approval before removing vehicle lanes to install bike lanes in the future.