CPHA Granted Intervenor Status in Legal Challenge to Ontario’s Bill 212
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) is pleased to announce that we have been granted intervenor status in the legal challenge against Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. This legislation mandates the removal of protected bike lanes in Toronto and grants the Province of Ontario the power to block future bike lane projects, undermining public health, road safety, and municipal decision-making.
CPHA, represented by Addario Law Group LLP, joins Cycle Toronto, Eva Stanger-Ross, and Narada Kiondo in challenging the law before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The lawsuit argues that Bill 212 violates Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects individuals’ right to life and security of the person. The law forces cyclists to share lanes with motor vehicle traffic, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury or death, and removes legal liability from the Ontario government in the event of injuries or fatalities.
Bill 212: A Reckless Attack on Active Transportation
Under Bill 212, the Ontario government mandates the removal of protected bike lanes on Bloor and Yonge streets as well as University Avenue. These routes are some of the busiest and safest cycling corridors in Toronto. The government’s claim that these bike lanes increase gridlock is unsupported by evidence. In reality:
- Bike lanes reduce congestion by shifting more commuters away from cars.
- Protected bike lanes are the safest option for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
- Their removal will cost taxpayers $48 million, with no demonstrated benefits.
- There are no existing alternative cycling routes on "secondary roads", despite government claims to the contrary.
Additionally, Bill 212 gives the Province new powers to block the construction of future bike lanes that might remove motor vehicle lanes, requiring municipalities to seek provincial approval before proceeding with such projects. This unprecedented move overrides local decision-making, stripping cities of their ability to design safer, more accessible streets for their residents.
Even more alarmingly, Bill 212 shields the government from liability if cyclists are injured or killed due to the removal of these bike lanes—an explicit acknowledgment of the dangers created by the law.
Why Active Transportation Matters
Bill 212 threatens not just cyclists, but public health and health equity more broadly. When communities prioritize walking and cycling, the benefits are far-reaching:
- Road Safety – Removing protected bike lanes will increase collisions, injuries, and fatalities among cyclists, pedestrians, and even drivers.
- Environmental Impact – Safe cycling infrastructure lowers greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and reducing climate-related health risks.
- Physical Health – Regular active transportation reduces rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Mental Health – Active transportation is associated with lower stress, reduced anxiety, and improved cognitive function.
- Health Equity – Protected bike lanes increase access to affordable, safe, and efficient transportation, particularly for structurally disadvantaged communities and workers who rely on cycling for their livelihood (e.g., food couriers, messengers).
CPHA Stands for Evidence-Based Public Policy
This legal challenge is about more than just bike lanes—it’s about the right to safe and healthy communities. Municipal leaders, urban planners, and public health experts all agree that protected bike lanes improve safety, mobility, and quality of life. Bill 212 is an attack on these principles, prioritizing ideology over evidence.
The Ontario government’s decision to override local control over transportation planning further erodes democratic governance, placing political interests ahead of public health and safety.
CPHA remains committed to standing up for policies that protect the public’s health.
Support CPHA’s Fight for Healthy Public Policy
We need your help to ensure that public health remains a priority in policy and legal decisions. By donating to CPHA, you can support our advocacy for active transportation, climate-conscious urban planning, and equitable access to safe streets. Donate today to help us continue this vital work. Every contribution strengthens our ability to advocate for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future. Together, we can protect active transportation and defend evidence-based public health policies.