Chow asks Ford to pause potential provincial bike lane legislation

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says she's trying to make changes to bike lanes on Bloor Street W. to avoid the province bringing in legislation that could bar future bike lanes from being created where car lanes would be cut as a result.

Chow says she can fix the "irritants" that residents in the area have flagged, including concerns about parking and taking away car lanes.

Bringing in provincial legislation to tackle those issues is "like using a big hammer to go after a fly," she said.

Last month, CBC News reported on internal government draft documents indicating a proposal to limit the installation of bike lanes has been under consideration at the provincial level, which several sources with knowledge of the proposed bill confirmed. It is not clear if the measure has been formally brought before cabinet.

The mayor, often seen using a bicycle and who ran on adding more bike infrastructure in her 2023 election campaign, told CBC Radio's Metro Morning this week that she's asked the premier to hit pause on potential new legislation for the moment.

"I've asked the premier to give me some time to work on it and I'm working on it flat out," she said. "I could show him that I could help mediate and find a solution that works for everyone."

"I'm trying to come up with a compromise that would re-open some car lanes but keep the bike lanes…so make the design work better," the mayor said. As for what that might look like, she didn't say.

Chow says she and a fellow councillor and city staff met with the Kingsway Business Improvement Area and local residents on Oct. 7 for multiple hours to discuss the issue.

Rivaling petitions

The bike infrastructure in this part of Etobicoke that Chow says she's working to adjust has been controversial from the start. 

In August 2023, Toronto began construction on bike lanes in Etobicoke through the Bloor Street West Complete Street Extension Project, according to the city. New cycle tracks were installed on both sides of the street and motor vehicle lanes were reduced to one lane in each direction.

After construction got underway, an online petition was launched in October 2023 over concerns about the project, calling on the city to re-evaluate the project, citing traffic flow issues and perceived low usage of the lanes. It had amassed more than 13,400 signatures as of Thursday. 

A second petition, by those who support the bike lane project, is also now picking up steam. Cycling advocacy organization, Cycle Toronto, has more than 7,000 signatures on its petition created last month.

"We're very concerned about this proposed legislation that would limit where municipalities can build their bike lanes…this is a significant overreach," said Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, a charity advocating for more cycling infrastructure.

"We are in a year where Toronto has had six people killed riding their bikes this year. I'd argue it's a public health crisis," he said. "This type of infrastructure saves lives."

Suman Miller lives in the area of Bloor West and signed the petition of those with concerns about the project.

"I love to have bike lanes but not on the main street. I think that's the key," she said, adding it now takes twice as long for her to drive along Bloor Street through her neighbourhood.

Province points to 'congestion' 

If the potential legislation passes, it could have implications for how municipalities across the province looking to build new bike infrastructure can move forward.

In Toronto and its surrounding areas, gridlock has been an ongoing headache and political issue, with the installation of new bikes lane proving controversial in some parts of the region. Further along Bloor Street, a plan to add bike lanes to a Mississauga section of the street has also divided residents.

In Toronto, Etobicoke-Lakeshore Coun. Amber Morley will be hosting a town hall for residents to hear and talk about the Bloor West Complete Street Extension on Oct 16.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria did not confirm any details about the potential legislation, saying the government examines "a multitude of proposals when it comes to congestion management."

The legislature is set to resume on Oct. 21, providing the government an opportunity to introduce new legislation.