Cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for a spirited protest as construction crews gear up to remove bike lanes on Bloor Street in Etobicoke. Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists is organizing a mass demonstration on a section of Bloor Street West to make their voices heard in opposition to the removal of the lanes.
Geoffrey Bercarich, a key figure in the group, revealed that a significant number of cyclists, potentially exceeding 1,000, are expected to gather along the affected stretch to reclaim the bike lane. While the group aims to disrupt the removal process, participants are urged to avoid direct confrontation with construction crews.
Amidst the controversy, Mayor Olivia Chow has criticized the decision to eliminate the bike lanes, denouncing it as “outrageous” and arguing that the provincial government is overstepping its boundaries. Michael Longfield of Cycle Toronto has raised concerns about the hefty price tag attached to the removal, questioning the allocation of $48 million for a 19-kilometer road reconfiguration amidst other pressing needs.
Despite facing legal setbacks, Cycle Toronto remains resolute in their fight against the removal of the bike lanes and is contemplating taking the case to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Ontario Court of Appeal recently affirmed the province’s authority to alter public roadways, overturning previous rulings that deemed the plan a safety risk for cyclists.
In response to the planned changes, the province has initiated the process of restoring motor-vehicle lanes on key Toronto thoroughfares. The proposed restoration will impact various busy corridors, including Bloor Street, Yonge Street, University Avenue, Queen’s Park, Queen’s Park Crescent, and Avenue Road.
