Toronto, Ont./ Traditional territories of several First Nations including the Williams Treaties First Nations, Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation — Groups behind a Charter case challenging the Ontario government’s planned removal of three key bike lanes in Toronto’s downtown core are hosting a community rally in advance of a hearing before the Ontario Superior Court on Wednesday, April 16.
The case, brought by Cycle Toronto, along with individuals Eva Stanger-Ross and Narada Kiondo, challenges a section of Ontario’s Bill 212 — Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, arguing the law’s mandated removal of Toronto’s bike lanes is arbitrary and puts lives at risk. The applicants are represented by lawyers from Ecojustice and Paliare Roland LLP.
Documents unveiled in court last month reveal the government’s own experts know that ripping out bike lanes won’t reduce traffic or solve congestion, and doing so will increase the risk of collisions for all road users by 54%. The city of Toronto has estimated the cost of removals to be $48M.
The rally will be attended by Toronto cyclists, community members, and groups intervening in the legal case. Media are invited to attend.
Rally for Justice to Save our Bike Lanes– Tuesday, April 15, 6:00 PM ET
Who is speaking:
- Michael Longfield – Cycle Toronto
- Eva Stanger-Ross – Applicant
- Narada Kiondo – Applicant
- Howard Chang – Affiant
- Adam Rodgers – Affiant
- Vanessa Brown – For Our Kids
- Dr. Suzanne Jackson – Canadian Public Health Association
- Julia Croome – Ecojustice
- Greenpeace Canada
Where: Ontario Superior Court of Justice courtyard, outside near the Scales of Justice Bike Rack
Address: 361 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1R8
Map: Location details can be found here
Additional: Spokespeople from Cycle Toronto and Ecojustice will be available for short one-on-one interviews during the rally.
Hearing – Wednesday, April 16, 10:00 AM ET
Where: Ontario Superior Court, Courtroom 8-1, with 8-4 available for overflow.
Address: 330 University Ave, Toronto, ON
In-person attendance: Media and members of the public are welcome to attend the hearing in person, please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.
Media availability: Cycle Toronto and members of the legal team will be available Wednesday morning. If you are interested in covering the rally or the hearing, please feel free to get in touch with any questions and to confirm attendance.
