Published • loading... • Updated
Toronto cyclists ask Canada's top court to weigh in on Ford's bike lane removal plan
Cycling groups say the case raises Charter rights and could affect whether governments can remove protected lanes despite safety concerns.
- On Tuesday, cycling advocates announced they are seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court regarding Ontario's legislation to remove bike lanes, aiming to overturn an August decision that permitted the province to proceed.
- Under a 2024 law, the Ontario government is removing roughly 19 kilometres of protected bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue, arguing the removals address traffic congestion costing the economy over $56 billion annually.
- Initially, a lower court ruled the plan created an unconstitutional risk to cyclist safety, but the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned this in August, finding the judge improperly strayed into policy-making and political considerations.
- As work began Tuesday on portions of Bloor Street West, advocates including Bronwyn Roe of Ecojustice argued the case raises broader questions about whether government policies violate Section 7 of the Charter regarding rights to life and security of the person.
- The Supreme Court only hears cases involving constitutional questions or conflicting lower court decisions, representing a significant hurdle, while provincial governments in Alberta and Quebec are exploring similar legislation to block or audit cycling infrastructure.
Insights by Ground AI
23 Articles
23 Articles
Nearly two-thirds of Torontonians support bike lane removals on major streets by the province: poll
Nearly two-thirds, 62 per cent, of Torontonians say they support the province turning bike lanes back into motor vehicle lanes on major Toronto streets, according to a new poll. The survey by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews comes as the Ford government is set to start removing bike lanes on Bloor Street in Etobicoke on […]
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
Toronto cyclists ask Canada's top court to weigh in on Ford's bike lane removal plan
Cycle Toronto and its co-applicants have filed to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada over Ontario's plans to rip out 19 kilometres of bike lanes on three major arterial roads.
·Ottawa, Canada
Read Full Article
Global NewsReposted by 
dailyguardian.ca
dailyguardian.caBike lane advocates to challenge Ford government’s removal plans at Supreme Court
Ahead of the lane removal, CycleTO and EcoJustice, two groups that launched the charter challenge, revealed they are appealing the case to Canada's highest court.
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left13Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Left
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources lean Left
65% Left
L 65%
C 30%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
