According to a recent poll conducted by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews, a significant majority of Torontonians, specifically 62 percent, express support for the provincial government's initiative to convert bike lanes back into motor vehicle lanes on major streets throughout Toronto. This survey was conducted among 510 adult residents in the city, revealing a notable sentiment regarding transportation policies.
The timing of this survey coincides with the upcoming removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street in Etobicoke, slated to commence on Tuesday. The province's plan entails eliminating approximately 19 kilometers of protected bike lanes located on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue. The ongoing work on these lanes is anticipated to progress into the next spring, indicating a substantial commitment to this transportation overhaul.
Notably, 38 percent of residents are opposed to these removals, illustrating a divided opinion on the matter. The provincial actions have proceeded despite an offer from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who suggested restoring vehicle lanes on certain sections of Bloor Street West while maintaining portions of cycling infrastructure. However, the province rejected this proposal, highlighting a disconnect between city leadership and provincial decision-making regarding street regulations.
Support for the removal of bike lanes is particularly pronounced among Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford's supporters, with a striking 77 percent backing the transition to motor vehicle lanes. In contrast, supporters of Mayor Chow exhibit a more evenly split opinion, with 50 percent in favor and 50 percent opposed. Meanwhile, among undecided voters, a significant 63 percent align with the sentiment to convert bike lanes back to vehicle lanes, suggesting an overarching trend among the electorate that favors motor vehicle accessibility.
The plan to remove these bike lanes has sparked concerns among cycling advocates and legal representatives involved in an ongoing Charter challenge against the province's bike lane legislation. They argue that this issue transcends mere transportation policy, asserting that it could have critical implications for the safety and well-being of road users. As a result, these advocates intend to escalate their appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, indicating the seriousness with which they regard the potential consequences of the province's decisions regarding bike lanes.
The polling data offers insight into the broader context of urban transportation debates in Toronto, illustrating how public sentiment may influence future governmental decisions. As the conflict between motor vehicle and cycling infrastructure continues, the stance of the residents, particularly in light of political affiliations and undecided voter opinions, may serve as a crucial indicator for future policy directions. The dynamics surrounding this transportation discussion have become a focal point in Toronto's political landscape, urging stakeholders to navigate these differing perspectives as they shape the future of the city's streets.
This survey carried out over the period from September 14 to 24, 2026, utilizes an online panel platform managed by Sago. It showcases a margin of error of ±4.3 percentage points 19 times out of 20, reinforcing the reliability of its findings.
