An Ontario court has ruled in favour of upholding a temporary injunction that prevents the Ford government from ripping up three core bike lanes in Toronto on Yonge Street, University Avenue and Bloor Street.
The temporary injunction, first granted by Justice Schabas in April 2025, prevents the provincial government from removing the protected bike lanes before a decision can be made on the merits of a Charter challenge brought by Cycle Toronto, along with individuals Eva Stanger-Ross and Narada Kiondo.
Our case challenges a section of Ontario’s Bill 212 — Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, arguing the law’s mandated removal of Toronto’s protected bike lanes is arbitrary and puts lives at risk. We are represented by lawyers from Ecojustice and Paliare Roland LLP.
Bronwyn Roe, Ecojustice lawyer said:
“We’re pleased that the Divisional Court has dismissed Ontario’s motion to appeal the temporary injunction granted by Justice Schabas. This legal protection ensures that the government cannot move ahead with removing the protected bike lanes until Justice Schabas has the opportunity to decide the merits of the applicants’ Charter challenge.
“The evidence in this case is clear — the removal of heavily used, protected bike lanes on major routes in Toronto will put the lives of cyclists at risk. The government cannot be allowed to jeopardize the safety of Ontarians or violate the Charter-protected rights to life and security of the person.”
Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto said:
"This historic legal challenge has already revealed the truth: despite all the public bluster, the province’s own experts agree that ripping out some of Toronto’s busiest bike lanes won’t reduce traffic congestion, there’s no mythical alternate network to replace them, and doing so will put people’s lives at risk. We urge the province to abandon this bad-faith culture war and collaborate with municipalities on real solutions to make our streets and communities healthier, safer, and more vibrant.”
Learn more about Bill 212 and Cycle Toronto's legal challenge by clicking here.
(Cycle Toronto supporters in front of Queen's Park in June. Photo: Joshua Best)
