Toronto bike lanes removal: Charter challenge filed against Ontario [Video]

Cyclists have launched a Charter challenge against the Ontario government over its decision to remove bike lanes on three Toronto roads, alleging the change puts lives at risk.

The province recently passed a law that will allow for the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue. The law also requires municipalities to ask the province for permission to install a bike lane when it would remove a lane for cars.

The group argues the province’s actions infringe on the rights of cyclists, pedestrians and other road uses by depriving them of life and security of the person.

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“Removing bike lanes will increase the risk of death and serious harm to people who travel by bike in this city,” Bronwyn Roe, a lawyer with Ecojustice, said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“It will make the roads more dangerous for everyone.”

Premier Doug Ford has made traffic a key issue at Queen’s Park as he …