December 11, 2024 - (Toronto, ON) This morning, Cycle Toronto launched a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Section 7 challenge to the provincial government’s Bill 212 — Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, arguing the law’s mandated removal of Toronto’s bike lanes will put lives at risk.
Joined by individual applicants Eva Stanger-Ross and Narada Kiondo, and represented by lawyers from Ecojustice and Paliare Roland LLP, the lawsuit also seeks an immediate injunction to prevent the removal of target bike lanes on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street.
Section 7 of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms reads: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.” Bill 212 is not just dangerous legislation. It is an infringement on the principles of fundamental justice.
Without evidence, the Government of Ontario claims removal of the bike lanes addresses traffic concerns and that they could be replaced by bike lanes on secondary routes. Those routes do not exist. The province’s own internal briefing memo that leaked warned what experts and advocates have been saying for months: bike lanes do not cause traffic congestion. And a late amendment to the bill which would indemnify the province when somebody is inevitably injured or killed is evidence they know that Bill 212 puts lives at risk.
The bill is not about tackling congestion, working with municipalities for data-driven solutions, or giving people more transportation options. It’s an unprecedented jurisdictional overreach that will cost taxpayers millions of dollars and jeopardize public health.
Taking this step was the only logical and necessary next step for our campaign. And it doesn’t come without serious financial and reputational risk. But since the launch of our I Love Bike Lanes petition back on September 19, our campaign has been focused on spreading the word and pushing back. Key campaign milestones include:
September 19, 2024: CBC news reports that the Ontario Government is considering legislation could stop new and remove existing bike lanes
September 20, 2024: Cycle Toronto launches “I love bike lanes” petition pushing back against proposed provincial overreach into municipal affairs
October 16, 2024: Cycle Toronto organizes Rally for Bloor and Ride to Etobicoke Community Meeting
October 20, 2024: Petition passes 10,000 signatures
October 23, 2024: Cycle Toronto attends Rally at Queen’s Park against Bill 212
October 24, 2024: The parents of Alex Amaro on Metro Morning urge the premier to stop Bill 212: “Bike Lanes Could Have Saved Our Daughter”
November 13, 2024: Petition passes 20,000 signatures
November 14, 2024: After urging from Cycle Toronto supporters, Toronto City Council passes Mayor Chow’s motion “that City Council express its opposition to the proposed amendments to Part XII of the Highway Traffic Act contained in Bill 212, and any related proposed regulations, both of which contradict the stated purpose of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to allow the City to determine what is in the public interest of the city”
November 20, 2024: Cycle Toronto submits comments to ERO
November 21, 2024: Cycle Toronto collaborates with Advocacy For Respect for Cyclists, Friends and Families for Safe Streets, The Bike Brigade, and The Biking Lawyer on Ghost Bike Delivery to Queens Park
December 3, 2024: Cycle Toronto announces that it has retained law firm Paliare Roland and environmental law charity Ecojustice to explore legal challenge to Bill 212
December 7, 2024: Petition passes 25,000 signatures
We’re in this fight because like you, we know:
• Bike lanes are good for business
• They’re good for the environment
• They’re good for public and personal health
• They give us freedom and mobility
• Bike lanes save lives
And thank you to our members – members matter. Since 2008, Cycle Toronto members have helped achieve incredible things including bike lanes on Bloor, University, and Yonge. Join us today to be part of the fight to keep them. As a registered charity, even $5 a month helps keep our wheels turning.
Join Cycle Toronto here.
Cycle Toronto website here.
Read more in TorontoToday here.
Read more in the Toronto Star here.
