Toronto cyclists lose bid to force Ford government to pause bike lane removals [Video]

A group of Toronto cyclists hoping to put a roadblock in the way of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s bike lane plans have lost their bid to delay them.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Stephen Firestone ruled Friday to deny an injunction brought forward by the group, led by Cycle Toronto, earlier this week against the province’s plan to remove bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue.

The group was seeking to stop any removal work until its court challenge, which is scheduled for April 16, was heard.

“The short duration for which the injunction is sought might limit the inconvenience to Ontario if it were granted. But the same is true for the applicants. The increased risk of harm they allege will only last a short window until the merits of their Charter claims are considered,” Firestone wrote.

“Given the assumption that the suspension of validly passed law causes irreparable harm, this displaces the applicants’ submission that …