Pedaling backward: Ontario’s Controversial Bill For Bike Lane Removal

Cycling News | Critical Reflections | Ontario, Canada

Cyclists were deflated in November 2024 as Ontario’s PC (Progressive Conservative) government, led by Premier Doug Ford, passed Bill 212 on November 25th. The fast-tracked legislation controversially called for the elimination of bike lanes to make more room for cars and fight congestion (CBC News, 2024). Cyclists will see their bike lanes removed from busy roads and intersections.

The province now has the right to remove lanes along key cycling routes. Toronto’s major bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue are the first to be converted back to vehicle traffic under Bill 212. According to Premier Ford, cycling lanes are responsible for creating gridlock on Toronto’s traffic-dense avenues. Facing heated responses from cycling advocates, Ford pedaled out a response: "It’s not anything against bike people," adding, “Just go on the secondary roads.” (Carter, 2024)

Keep reading to uncover:

• What exactly happened?

• Counting the costs: dollars, safety, and cycling futures.

• Protests on two wheels.

• Debunking the Congestion Myth.

• Environmental and Indigenous concerns.

• Lessons for Cycling and Mobility Safety, and Implications for Cyclists.

One pedal forward, two backward

The new legislation passed through the accelerated legislative process on an overwhelming vote of 66-27 during its third reading on Monday, November 25th, with some last-minute amendments.