City officials in Toronto are set to remove bike lanes along Bloor Street West in Etobicoke, sparking controversy and strong reactions from mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. Premier Doug Ford’s decision to eliminate the bike lanes has drawn criticism, with Chow calling it “outrageous” and accusing Ford of overstepping his bounds.
Chow expressed her dismay over the removal of the bike lanes during a recent debate with fellow candidate Brad Bradford, who had previously supported the removal of the lanes. She highlighted the importance of local democracy and the rights of Torontonians to have a say in municipal affairs, criticizing what she sees as an interference by provincial authorities.
Bradford, who had initially voted in favor of adding the bike lanes, has since changed his stance, citing issues such as decreased sales for local businesses and increased traffic congestion. He emphasized the need for practical solutions and suggested that some bike lanes, including the one in Etobicoke, are not functioning effectively due to low usage compared to other busier routes in the city.
The province’s plan to restore motor-vehicle lanes on major Toronto streets has been met with mixed reactions, with concerns raised about the impact on transportation and cycling infrastructure in the city. The removal of the bike lanes on Bloor Street West is part of this larger initiative, which is set to begin next week.
