Ontario open to compromise with Toronto on bike lane removals [Video]

Ontario is open to a compromise with the City of Toronto on plans to remove three bicycle lanes, the transportation minister’s office said.

Premier Doug Ford’s government passed legislation last year to take out sections of bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue.

The issue became contentious in the city and sparked protests, with Mayor Olivia Chow also speaking out against the proposed changes. But Chow and the city have proposed a solution to the province that would allow for a car lane to be returned to those roads while also keeping a bike lane.

The province has not said no, said Dakota Brasier, a spokeswoman for Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

“Where both a reinstated car lane and a bike lane can exist, we are open to collaboration with the City of Toronto, provided they fund their portion of their identified infrastructure needs,” Brasier said.

The province says …