Toronto saw a 20-year high in cyclist fatalities last year
The battle over bike lanes continues in Toronto. Legally, Ontario cannot remove bicycle lanes in Toronto due to a court order earlier this year. However, some people believe adding more lanes for vehicular traffic will reduce congestion in the city.
In an effort to strike a balance between the two interests, Ontario recently authorized restoring a lane for vehicular traffic on Bloor Street, while keeping a protected bicycle lane on the same half-kilometre stretch of road in the Etobicoke section of Toronto, according to Toronto Today.
“The work will include new protected bicycle lanes that are consistent with the City of Toronto’s design standards, including precast barrier curbs and bollards that will separate the lane from vehicle traffic, along with a restored lane of vehicle traffic,” Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a statement.
Why can’t Ontario remove bicycle lanes in Toronto?
The on-going debate over bicycle lanes in Toronto has been the source of a fierce legal battle, especially this year.
Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier, attempted to have 19 kilometres of bike lanes removed from three major Toronto streets earlier this year, according to The New York Times. Ford claimed removing the bicycle lanes would ease traffic congestion for vehicles.
Then, on July 30, an Ontario Superior Court judge ruled in favour of keeping the bike lanes based on public safety concerns. Ontario Superior Court Justice Paul Schabas ruled that the proposal to remove 19 kilometres of bicycle lanes in Toronto would put cyclists at an "increased risk of harm and death" and violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, according to CBC News.
Since then, the Ford government has appealed the court’s decision, according to CBC News. The court appeal is scheduled for January 2026, according to the Daily Commercial News.
How extensive are bicycle lanes in Toronto?
If the appeal court decision reverses the Ontario Superior Court decision and 19 kilometres of bicycle lanes are removed from Toronto, the city will still have an extensive network of bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. According to the City of Toronto, the current bicycle infrastructure includes:
- Bicycle lanes (includes buffered and contra-flow): 140.2 km
- Cycle tracks: 104.3 km
- Wayfinding and route connector “sharrows” (shared lane pavement markings): 89.9 km
Are there plans to expand bicycle lanes in Toronto?
Yes. The City of Toronto remains committed to expanding the number of bicycle lanes throughout the city. According to Toronto’s plan for 2025 through 2027, the goal is to add 100 kilometres of new and upgraded bicycle lanes. The plan also calls for renewing 40 kilometres of existing bicycle lanes in Toronto.
“The City is working to make travel by bike safer and more inviting, which helps ease congestion, creates a cleaner environment, and promotes physical activity,” the City of Toronto’s website says.
What are effective ways to prevent bicycle accidents?
Along with bicycle lanes, there are many other ways to prevent bicycle accidents. Drivers should:
- Share the road with cyclists.
- Keep a safe distance when passing a cyclist. The law says, "Drivers must keep at least a one-metre (3 feet) distance when passing people cycling. Failure to do so could result in a set fine of $110 (includes victim fine surcharge and court fees)."
- Before opening a car door, always check for cyclists.
- Yield to cyclists who have the right of way, especially when passing or turning near a cyclist.
How common are bicycle accidents in Toronto?
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents remain a serious problem in Toronto. Last year, 6 cyclists were killed in accidents in Toronto, the highest death toll for cyclists in the city in more than two decades, according to The New York Times.
Between 2006 and 2023, bicycle fatalities in Toronto ranged from a low of one death and 20 injuries in 2021 to a high of four deaths and 68 serious injuries in 2013, according to bicycle accident data collected by the Toronto Police Service.
Why should I hire a Toronto bicycle accident lawyer?
You might think you don’t even need a lawyer if a driver clearly caused your Toronto bicycle accident. But the reality is that many bicycle injury claims or lawsuits often quickly turn into complicated legal cases.
Sometimes, it’s because the at-fault driver denies doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s insurance companies that are the problem. Whatever obstacles stand in your way of justice, our Toronto bicycle accident lawyers at Smitiuch Injury Law can help you every step of the way.
We know how to handle these complex legal cases because we have been helping injured cyclists in the GTA for years. Our case results illustrate this, including many legal cases involving injured cyclists who received the compensation they deserved with our help.
Learn more about your legal options. Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation with a Toronto bicycle injury lawyer focused on winning your case. We handle bicycle injury claims throughout Ontario and have three offices conveniently located in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe.
“I highly recommend Smitiuch Injury Law to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism and commitment to their clients are second to none. Thank you to everyone at Smitiuch Injury Law for your excellent service!” – Connor B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
