TORONTO, October 30, 2026 – The Ontario government announced on October 30 that the removal of a section of bike lanes along Bloor Street West in Toronto’s Etobicoke neighbourhood has been completed. The approximately 1.2-kilometre stretch between Clissold Road and Royal York Road has been restored to accommodate motor vehicle traffic in both directions.
Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation said crews removed concrete barriers, signs and other road equipment associated with the former bike lanes. The work also included road surface repairs, new pavement markings and updated traffic signs.
Construction began in mid-October and was part of the provincial government’s broader plan to modify bike lanes on certain major Toronto roads and restore space for motor vehicle traffic.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said adding vehicle lanes could improve traffic flow and make it easier for businesses and drivers to access properties along the road. The province has repeatedly argued that installing bike lanes on certain major roads has reduced space available for motor vehicles.
However, the policy has remained controversial. Some cyclists, road safety organizations and the City of Toronto have opposed the removal of protected bike lanes, arguing that physical barriers help reduce conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has also previously raised objections to the province’s decision to remove bike lanes and questioned whether the changes would effectively reduce traffic congestion.
Similar changes have already been made along Bloor Street West. In December 2025, the province restored space for motor vehicle traffic along an approximately 600-metre section between Resurrection Road and Clissold Road, while retaining some cycling infrastructure.
With the latest work completed, the lane configuration between Clissold Road and Royal York Road has changed, and some previously designated cycling space is no longer available. Drivers and cyclists travelling through the area must follow the new pavement markings and traffic signs.
The Ontario government has also previously said it will continue reviewing lane arrangements on major roads, including Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue. No further details have been announced about which other sections may be modified or when construction could begin.
（LJI by Yuanyuan）
