Toronto cyclists protest Ford government’s bike lane removals at Queen’s Park

Dozens of cycling advocates and protesters gathered on Halloween to voice their concerns over Ontario's decision to continue removing bike lanes in Toronto. This protest follows Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria's announcement that bike lanes along Bloor Street West in Etobicoke have been officially removed. Minister Sarkaria stated that this decision was made due to low usage of the lanes, and that the remaining lanes will be removed in the next construction cycle.

The 1.2-kilometer stretch of bike lanes has sparked tension between construction crews and cycling advocates, leading to the arrest of four individuals for mischief-related offenses. Michael Longfield, the executive director of Cycle Toronto, highlighted the ongoing unease between protesters and police, stating that the cycling community is eager to defend the remaining 18 kilometers of bike lanes.

The cycling advocates have called upon the Supreme Court of Canada to review Premier Doug Ford's plans, appealing an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling that allowed the removal of protected bike lanes. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of Torontonians support the removal of bike lanes on major streets, according to a recent poll. Protesters gathered at Queen's Park with decorative bikes, signs, and even dressed up in Halloween costumes, distributing candy and chocolates.

Longfield remains optimistic that there is still time to change Premier Ford's stance on bike lanes, citing Mayor Olivia Chow's re-election and the strong support for cycling in the recent municipal election. Oda Al-anizi, a disability rights advocate, shared his personal experience with bike lanes, stating that they have significantly improved his quality of life due to the e-bike attachment to his wheelchair.

Al-anizi emphasized the importance of bike lanes for people with disabilities and mobility issues, particularly those who feel overlooked by drivers and lack accessible transit options.