Sam is angry about threats to bike lanes and the possibility of stopping bike lane snow removal in her hometown

Sam B

1 month ago

If you’re in Ontario, and a cyclist, you’re aware of our provincial government’s war on bike lanes.

First, the Ford government passed a bill that gave the province sweeping control over municipal bike lanes. It was called Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024.

An Ontario court ruled the government’s plan to remove protected bike lanes on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street in Toronto was unconstitutional. The court found the province’s plan to remove bike lanes would “put people at increased risk of harm and death, which engages the right to life and security of the person.” The province is appealing this ruling.

Second, the Ford government introduced Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which restricts new bike lanes that require road reconfigurations. See Ontario proposal restricting bike lanes draws province-wide backlash. There were protests in Toronto, Ottawa, and Guelph over Bill 60.

To top it off, the City of Guelph is now considering a 2026 budget that proposes cuts to active transportation, cycling, and trail projects, including the elimination of winter bike lane snow removal. See the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation Call to Action here.

You can also find out more on the GirlsGaysTheys Guelph bike club Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/guelph.girlsgaystheys.bikeclub

Many people normally commute by bike to school or work. However, they stop riding in November when snow and ice threaten. These days though, e-bike purchases are on the rise and winter is getting warmer. I think many people would keep riding if the conditions were right.

Some conditions are within our control. Nat and I have both bought winter bike tires. But other conditions–like safe bike lanes clear of snow– are a collective matter.

Here on the blog, we’ve been reading about Nat’s winter commuting commitment. It hasn’t been smooth sailing. See Nat’s first week of wintry cycling kind of sucked.

We need to do better.