Torontonians love to bike. Over the past decade, Toronto has steadily increased the number of people who forgo driving their cars and bike to work instead. Biking to work has transitioned from fringe to fashionable. It’s greener, cheaper, and, depending on where you live and the time of year, can be faster than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Gardiner, Spadina or DVP.
But is biking to work safe? More and more commuters are asking this question, especially as the province has mandated the removal of bike lanes throughout the city.
At Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers, we have represented numerous cyclists injured on Toronto’s streets. We understand that while biking to work can be rewarding, it also entails significant risks—especially in a city still learning to share the road safely.
Biking Is Booming in Toronto
More Torontonians are cycling than ever before. According to the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services, the daily cycling volume on major downtown corridors like Bloor Street and Richmond Street has tripled in the last ten years.
In 2023, Toronto officials reported over 100,000 bike trips recorded daily during peak cycling months. In neighbourhoods such as The Annex, Leaside, Liberty Village, and Trinity-Bellwoods, biking is often the preferred way to commute. This is not only for the environmentally conscious but also for anyone looking to save time and money.
How Dangerous is Bike Riding in the City?
Here’s the hard truth: While making progress, Toronto is still not the safest city for cyclists.
A 2022 report from the Toronto Police Service showed that over 1,300 collisions involving cyclists were reported that year in Toronto alone. That’s about 3 to 4 bike crashes daily—and those are just the ones officially reported.
More concerning is the severity of some of these accidents. Between 2017 and 2022, Toronto saw an average of 2 to 4 cyclist fatalities per year, with many more sustaining life-altering injuries ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
Beyond the city, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) numbers are similarly sobering. A 2019 study by York University found that suburban areas like Vaughan, Mississauga, Oakville, and Markham had significantly higher cyclist injury rates due to a lack of dedicated bike lanes and the prevalence of high-speed arterial roads.
With the Ontario provincial government mandating the removal of bike lanes within the city, the number of injuries and fatalities will most likely rise on par with the numbers from the surrounding areas.
What are Common Causes of Bike Commuting Accidents?
At Bergel Magence Personal Injuries, we have helped countless individuals seriously injured in bike accidents. Over our 50 years in business, we’ve identified several recurring causes of cyclist injuries in Toronto.
- Doorings – This happens when a parked driver opens their car door into a cyclist’s path. It’s shockingly common, particularly on downtown streets with curbside parking. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act now includes specific penalties for “dooring,” but enforcement remains inconsistent.
- Right Hooks – A driver turns right across a bike lane and into a cyclist, often because they failed to check their blind spot or underestimated the bike’s speed.
- Unsafe Infrastructure – In many parts of the city, bike lanes end abruptly or force riders to merge with fast-moving traffic. While protected bike lanes (like those on Bloor and Richmond) help, they’re still not the norm. Beyond that, Toronto has many major potholes, creating another potential danger for bikers.
- Poor Visibility – Low light conditions and inclement weather – especially during long Toronto winters – can make cyclists harder to spot.
- Distracted or Aggressive Drivers – Distracted driving continues to be a major issue, with phones, infotainment systems, and even GPS contributing to inattention. Add in the occasional road rage incident, and the dangers multiply.
A City in Transition
Toronto is at a crossroads. On one hand, City Council committed to expanding the cycling network. The Cycling Network Plan, last updated in 2022, aimed to add 100 km of new cycling infrastructure over the next few years. Protected bike lanes are now a permanent feature on major corridors like University Avenue and Danforth.
However, in 2024, the Ontario government mandated the removal of bike lines throughout Toronto. In April 2025, Mayor Olivia Chow stated she was open to working with the provincial government, trying to get Doug Ford’s government to compromise rather than remove all bike lanes.
Infrastructure takes time. In the meantime, riders are left navigating a city that is only partially built for bikes.
Legal Protection for Injured Cyclists
The aftermath can be overwhelming if you’re hit while biking to work. Medical bills, physiotherapy, and time off work all add up fast.
Many people don’t realize that if you’re injured while riding your bike – especially if a motor vehicle is involved – you may be entitled to compensation through Ontario’s insurance system, even if you don’t have a car or auto insurance policy of your own.
Through the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), injured cyclists can claim benefits to cover:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Attendant care
- Non-earner benefits
Additionally, suppose another party—like a driver or property owner—was negligent. In that case, you may also have grounds for a civil claim to recover damages for pain and suffering or long-term disability.
At Bergel Magence, we help cyclists understand their rights and navigate the claims process. We also ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies that might try to downplay your injuries or shift blame unfairly.
Tips to Stay Safer on the Road
While some risk is unavoidable, there are things every commuter can do to reduce the chance of an accident:
- Choose routes with protected bike lanes where possible.
- Stay visible by using lights and reflective gear, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Avoid the “door zone”—ride at least 1 meter away from parked cars.
- Signal your turns and obey traffic signals like any vehicle.
- Invest in a properly fitted helmet, even though it’s not mandatory for adults in Ontario.
And remember: no matter how safely you ride, accidents can still happen due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why having the right legal support matters.
Toronto and Biking – Is it Safe?
So, is biking to work dangerous? In a city like Toronto, the honest answer is that it can be.
But that doesn’t mean you should ditch your bike. With growing infrastructure, better education, and strong legal protections, cycling can—and should—be a safe, sustainable commuting option. The key is staying informed, prepared, and protected.
If you’ve been injured while biking in Toronto or the GTA, contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers. Our experienced team understands the complexities of cyclist injury claims and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 416-665-2000 or visit bergellaw.
