The Ontario government has revealed plans to remove and reconfigure bike lanes on several busy streets in Toronto, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. The province aims to restore motor vehicle lanes that were previously converted to accommodate bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, University Avenue, Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent, and Avenue Road.
Furthermore, the government has initiated a request for proposals to explore design options for reinstating vehicle lanes on specific sections of Toronto’s major roads. These proposals will evaluate the possibility of retaining or adjusting existing bike lanes.
In an effort to alleviate congestion, the province has already commenced the process of restoring vehicle lanes on Bloor Street W., starting east of a 600-meter segment at Clissold Road where vehicle lanes were reinstated in December 2025. This decision follows a ruling by Ontario’s court of appeal in August that granted the government permission to remove 19 kilometers of protected bike lanes in Toronto, overturning a previous court decision from July 2025.
During an unrelated news conference on Tuesday, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized that the presence of bike lanes, particularly on Bloor Street W., contributes to traffic gridlock and congestion in the city. He stated that removing bike lanes and restoring vehicle lanes will improve traffic flow in one of the world’s busiest cities.
Sarkaria highlighted that discussions with various community members revealed concerns about the impact of bike lanes on local businesses and downtown traffic. He stressed the importance of prioritizing vehicle lanes to combat congestion, indicating that the province will consider coexistence between vehicles and cyclists where feasible.
Addressing safety concerns post bike lane removal, Sarkaria assured that road regulations will apply to both cyclists and drivers, emphasizing the potential use of alternative routes like King Street and College Street. Internal documents from the transportation ministry raised doubts about the efficacy of the proposed bike lane removals, citing potential increases in collisions and questioning the effectiveness of reducing congestion by removing bike lanes occupying traffic lanes.
The issue of bike lanes has become a contentious topic in the upcoming municipal election, with mayoral candidates expressing contrasting views. While one candidate pledges to remove bike lanes, another emphasizes the need for collaboration and effective transportation planning to enhance road safety and address congestion challenges.
In response to the province’s actions, various political figures have criticized the move as inadequate in addressing congestion issues and have advocated for increased investment in dedicated bike and transit lanes to promote affordable and efficient transportation options for residents.