August 19, 2025 - Amidst the legal battle over Ontario’s bike lanes, some Toronto aid groups say they are at risk of shutting down food delivery programs if key bike lanes in the city are ripped out reports CBC.
Aid groups like Community Fridges TO (CFTO), which transports produce from farmers markets and food banks throughout the week, says removing the bike lanes in Toronto would have “a massive negative impact on us and the community members that we serve.”
Toronto’s Bike Brigade, that partnered with 35 social service agencies to make 8,000 food deliveries across the city last year to seniors, immune-compromised individuals and people with disabilities, echoes CFTO’s concerns.
“Bikes make the most sense,” as they allow faster delivery by bypassing congestion, said Cyndi Gilbert, a board member at Bike Brigade.
The provincial government has maintained that the removal of the bike lanes on Bloor St., Yonge St. and University Avenue will help solve Toronto’s traffic congestion woes, but in his ruling, Justice Paul Schabas said the bike lane removals will not solve Toronto’s congestion problem.
“The evidence shows that restoring lanes for cars will not result in less congestion, as it will induce more people to use cars,” said Schabas.
