(Ecojustice and Paliare Roland lawyers Bronwyn Roe, Catherine Dunne, Braxton Murphy, Andrew Lewis, Greta Hoaken, and Lindsay Beck thanked by Michael Longfield on behalf of Cycle Toronto supporters like you.)
We were back in court to defend your Charter rights against arbitrary and reckless government overreach. Cycle Toronto and our co-applicants, Eva Stanger-Ross, a university student, and Narada Kiondo, a food delivery courier, previously won a landmark legal decision against the Ontario government’s anti-bike lane legislation in July 2025.
The province appealed that ruling, and the appeal was heard by a panel of three justices on Wednesday.
Our legal team from Ecojustice and Paliare Roland presented strong arguments opposing the removal of bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University as a violation of Section 7 of the Charter. The Canadian Public Health Association, Greenpeace Canada, For Our Kids Toronto, and the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights all intervened on our side. The panel’s decision will likely take several months.
A great 140-post summary of the proceedings can be found on Devan Marr’s Bluesky (buckle in).
Our work isn't over. Even a win in court won’t undo Bill 60, which still blocks municipalities from turning a car lane into a bike lane.
In the meantime, we’re full steam ahead, working to help make Toronto a healthier, more vibrant cycling city for all. This includes ensuring that the upcoming 2026 Toronto City Budget continues to fund the Council-approved cycling network plan for this year and beyond.
The Mayor’s proposed budget for City Council consideration is due on February 1. Stay tuned.
(Proposed $42.5M decrease in Toronto's 10-year cycling budget.)
(More city budget means more cycling infrastructure.)
Media roundup:
Cyclists appear in provincial court to preserve Toronto bike lanes | CBC
Toronto cyclists defend bike lane challenge before Ontario's top court | The Canadian Press
Cyclists fight to save Toronto bike lanes in court appeal | Canadian Cycling Magazine
Ford government's battle with bike lanes reaches Ontario's highest court | The National Observer
Doug Ford’s bike lane law could cost Toronto more money. Here’s what the city plans to do about it | The Toronto Star
