Toronto cyclists protest Ontario’s bike lane removals at Queen’s Park

TORONTO - On Halloween, dozens of cycling advocates and protesters marched to Queen's Park to voice their disapproval of Ontario's decision to continue removing bike lanes throughout the city. The protest unfolded after Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced on Friday that bike lanes along Bloor Street West in Etobicoke had been officially removed.

Minister Sarkaria cited low usage of the lanes as the reason for their removal, with the remaining portions set to be taken down in future construction cycles. The 1.2-kilometer stretch of bike lanes has sparked tension between construction crews and cycling advocates, resulting in the arrest of four individuals primarily for mischief.

Despite this, the cycling community expressed optimism on Saturday afternoon as Cycle Toronto and other advocacy groups appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada to reconsider Ford's plans and challenge an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling that permitted the removal of protected bike lanes. Cycle Toronto's executive director, Michael Longfield, stated that while the premier may have taken one kilometer away, the remaining 18 kilometers are still fiercely protected by the cycling advocates.

Protesters gathered on the lawns of Queen's Park, displaying decorative bikes, signs, and engaging in activities such as handing out candy and chocolates. Among the participants, a skeleton donned an orange shirt and rode a bike nearby. Longfield believes there may still be time to sway Premier Doug Ford's opinion regarding the bike lanes, despite the provincial government's assertion that removing the lanes around Bloor Street, Yonge Street, Avenue Road, and Queen's Park would alleviate traffic congestion.

Longfield noted that bike lanes became a significant issue during Toronto's municipal election and gained even more traction among voters after Mayor Olivia Chow's re-election for a second term. Oda Al-anizi, a disability rights advocate with a spinal cord injury, relies on Toronto's bike lanes due to a new e-bike attachment for his wheelchair.

Al-anizi emphasized the importance of bike lanes for people with disabilities and mobility issues, particularly those who often go unnoticed or face aggressive reactions from drivers. For him, dedicated bike lanes provide a safer environment, enabling a better quality of life.