The Ontario government has announced its intent to introduce legislation requiring municipalities to seek provincial approval before constructing new bike lanes that would reduce lanes of vehicle traffic. This measure, set to be introduced when the legislature reconvenes on October 21, is part of the government’s broader strategy to address urban traffic congestion.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria revealed the plan during a press conference in Etobicoke, highlighting that municipalities will also need to submit data on bike lane projects initiated in the past five years. This review will help the province assess the impact of existing lanes on travel times and traffic flow.
The debate over bike lanes has been particularly heated in areas like Bloor Street West in Toronto, where lanes introduced in 2023 have divided opinion among residents and businesses. Premier Doug Ford, a resident of Etobicoke, has expressed concerns over these lanes, citing increased congestion and difficulties faced by first responders navigating through traffic.
Sarkaria emphasized that the final decision on removing traffic lanes for bike lanes will rest with the transportation minister, rather than ministry bureaucrats. While existing bike lanes on major Toronto streets such as Yonge, Avenue, and Bloor are not under immediate threat, they will undergo review for potential removal based on their impact on vehicle traffic.
In addition to bike lane oversight, the upcoming legislation will propose increasing speed limits on all 400-series highways to 110 km/h, with plans to develop design standards for highways capable of supporting speeds exceeding 120 km/h.
This move reflects the provincial government’s focus on balancing urban mobility needs with efforts to mitigate traffic gridlock.