December 26, 2025 - I’m Lindsay Beck–Staff Lawyer at Ecojustice and part of the legal team representing Cycle Toronto in their Charter challenge against Ontario legislation that would force the removal of key Toronto bike lanes.
At Ecojustice, we know that safe, well-connected bike networks are key to enabling people to choose active transportation. Bike lanes have a calming effect on traffic. They bring down rates of injury and death–not only for cyclists, but for all road users. The evidence is consistent: bike lanes save lives.
That is worth fighting for. And together with our client, Cycle Toronto, we will continue to do just that when we return to court to defend our victory over this anti-bike lane legislation in January. This holiday season, you can power our ongoing work and movement by becoming a Cycle Toronto member today.
The Cycle Toronto case has been significant for democratic process and evidence-based decision making. The ruling in our favour made clear that where government action arbitrarily causes harm, the rights protected by section 7 of the Charter are engaged. That’s exactly what the government did when it enacted legislation to remove protected bike lanes in the face of its own expert evidence that doing so won’t alleviate congestion and will put lives at risk. The strength of the evidence and the well-reasoned decision of the Superior Court give us confidence that we can defend our win in the new year.
You can’t have a case without a client and Cycle Toronto was game from the outset to take on the risk of this litigation. Michael Longfield and the Cycle Toronto team have a vast wealth of knowledge about the history of bike lanes in the city, bike lane infrastructure, and the importance of developing Toronto’s bike lane network. The Cycle Toronto team plays a key role in bringing this case and ongoing developments to you–the public and passionate cyclists. And they strengthen our cycling community by hosting events, rallies, and group rides that unite us.
The generosity of supporters like you makes this community activism possible. I want to remind you that time is running out to become a Cycle Toronto member in 2025. Ensure they can continue this important education, advocacy, and community-building work in 2026 and beyond. Sign up for your membership now.
I love cycling. Taking bike trips with my kids down to the waterfront on a warm day along the Martin Goodman Trail is pure joy. I hope that more of our city’s bike lane network is built out by the time my children are older and cycling on their own. With Cycle Toronto working tirelessly to create a more healthy and vibrant cycling city for all, I know it’s a future within reach.
P.S. Cycling is efficient. Time and time again the evidence shows that with protected bike lanes in place, more people will choose cycling as their preferred mode of transport. That means fewer cars on the road and a more livable city. Become a member today to support Cycle Toronto in their efforts to improve cycling infrastructure in Toronto.
Visit Cycle Toronto here.
