Hundreds of cyclists are expected to gather on Tuesday evening to protest the planned removal of Toronto bike lanes, with work potentially starting later that night.
The gathering follows months of rides organized by cycling advocates opposed to the removals. Organizers say about 850 people rode east along Danforth Avenue on Aug. 30, followed by another group of approximately 800 who headed west to Royal York on Sept. 30.
Cyclists are expected to arrive at Tom Riley Park around 5 p.m. Tuesday, ahead of a planned 5:15 p.m. press conference in the park’s Bloor Green parking lot. Organizers say they understand crews could begin removing the lanes around 8 p.m., with work continuing overnight.
The latest in the bike lane saga
The protest comes as Ontario moves ahead with plans to remove bike lanes on parts of Bloor Street West, Yonge Street and University Avenue. The provincial government has argued the changes will improve traffic flow, while opponents say removing the infrastructure will put people who cycle at greater risk. It’s just the latest in a saga that has spanned over two years.
It all began back in late 2024 when Premier Doug Ford pushed legislation through to take control of cycling infrastructure from municipalities. It also pushed to remove bike lanes. There were legal battles, and ultimately the government won the last appeal and is poised to remove some lanes. It’s not clear at what stage the other lanes on Bloor, Yonge and University are at. The government has made requests for proposals, but nothing is concrete about that. Still, removing lanes ain’t cheap — it also requires new configuration of lights and intersections.
The cost of the removals
Dave Shellnutt, a.k.a. the Biking Lawyer questioned the cost of the project, citing the estimated $48-million price tag for removing the lanes.
“The cost to the taxpayer here is huge,” Shellnutt said, arguing that the money could be better spent elsewhere. He also pointed to provincial reporting that, according to the CBC, found the removals were unlikely to improve congestion.
For Friends and Families for Safe Streets, the issue is personal. The group advocates for safer streets and supports people affected by traffic violence.
“When your loved one is suddenly and violently killed in a preventable crash, you are thrust into a never-ending nightmare of heavy, devastating anguish and grief,” Jess Speiker said.
Speiker said the removals could leave more people seriously injured or killed, with families left to deal with the consequences.
Organizers say Tuesday’s gathering will be peaceful. They are asking cyclists to come out as crews prepare to begin work on infrastructure that advocates consider essential to road safety. If you want to learn more, head on over to the Toronto Mass Critical Mass Facebook page. Canadian Cycling Magazine will also be there documenting the protest.