Alberta Minister Supports Ontario Court Ruling on Bike Lanes

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Alberta's Transportation Minister, Devin Dreeshen, endorses the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision allowing the removal of bike lanes in Toronto, emphasizing the government's authority to make transportation policy decisions.

In a significant development regarding transportation policy, Alberta's Minister of Transportation, Devin Dreeshen, has publicly endorsed a ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal that permits the province to eliminate bike lanes in Toronto. This ruling overturns a previous lower-court decision which had deemed the removal of bike lanes unconstitutional due to safety concerns for cyclists. Minister Dreeshen described the appeal court's decision as a victory for 'common sense' and a reaffirmation of elected officials' ability to make decisions that serve the public interest. He stated, 'The decision from Ontario’s Court of Appeal is a win for common sense and for elected governments’ ability to make decisions in the public interest.' Dreeshen further explained that the court clarified that there is no constitutional entitlement to bike lanes, enabling governments to modify or rescind policies established by prior administrations, regardless of expert recommendations. The Ontario Court of Appeal criticized the lower court's ruling for misapplying legal principles and for overstepping its bounds by intervening in policy and political matters. In 2025, Dreeshen had urged Alberta's two primary cities to consider the removal of bike lanes from major thoroughfares, a move that sparked backlash and accusations of government overreach. He emphasized that the Alberta government is drafting legislation aimed at ensuring that transportation infrastructure accommodates all road users. 'The Ontario Court of Appeal’s findings will be carefully considered as we finalize our legislation,' Dreeshen noted. He stressed that Alberta's electorate expects their government to prioritize safety and quality of life in its transportation decisions, asserting that past choices have often been influenced more by ideological considerations than practical solutions. 'We need to consider how infrastructure works for everyone who uses our roads,' he concluded.

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