Ford government wins court battle to remove downtown Toronto bike lanes

The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of the Ford government, overturning a lower court's decision that had blocked the removal of certain downtown Toronto bike lanes. The decision allows for the removal of bike lanes on parts of Yonge Street, University Avenue, and Bloor Street. Ontario's Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria hailed the ruling as a "decision for common sense and for respecting the appropriate division of roles between duly elected legislatures and the courts."

The Court of Appeal disagreed with the lower court's attempt to interfere with legislative matters. Justice Grant Huscroft stated in the unanimous decision that courts should not be involved in policy decisions, which lie within politics. Michael Longfield, the executive director of Cycle Toronto, a group that initiated the legal challenge, expressed disappointment with the decision but emphasized that it does not negate the fact that bike lanes do not cause traffic congestion and their removal could put people's lives at risk.

Longfield pointed out that the battle extends beyond cyclists and bike lanes, highlighting the importance of respecting local democracy, as Bloor West bike lanes had been approved by city council multiple times.

The group is still considering potential next steps and intends to continue pursuing this matter through the legal system.