Toronto police have initiated a two-week campaign focusing on micromobility traffic enforcement to coincide with the upcoming back-to-school period. The aim is to raise awareness of the regulations surrounding e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles. The Toronto Police Service highlighted the increasing use of micromobility devices, including bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters.
Emphasizing that safety is a collective responsibility, the police force stated that making safe and lawful choices while driving, cycling, riding e-bikes, using other micromobility devices, or walking is crucial for the well-being of all road users in Toronto. During this campaign, officers will provide information to road users regarding activities such as illegal sidewalk riding, cycling against traffic in cycle lanes, unauthorized e-moped usage in cycle lanes, and improper parking in bike lanes.
Scheduled to continue until August 24, the campaign’s objective is to promote safe and lawful road behavior and reduce the number of accidents involving “vulnerable road users.” According to police reports, Toronto has witnessed 514 collisions involving micromobility devices this year, with two fatal incidents involving e-scooters.
Sgt. Murray Campbell emphasized that illegal parking can heighten the risk of accidents, as it disrupts the flow of bicycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, prompting people to alter their behavior. The police will enforce regulations on roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
While it is not illegal to purchase or possess an e-scooter in the city, riding them on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, cycle tracks, or trails is prohibited. Campbell pointed out that the city’s website lists approved locations for micromobility device use, acknowledging that determining where these devices can be used in Toronto can be perplexing. He stressed that these guidelines aim to ensure safety for all.
Toronto police have previously conducted similar campaigns, including initiatives in the past summer and November 2024. David Shellnutt, a personal injury lawyer and managing partner at The Biking Lawyer LLP, expressed the view that issuing tickets alone will not resolve the underlying issues. He advocated for education as a solution and revealed ongoing educational workshops for e-bike food delivery riders in collaboration with Cycle Toronto. Shellnutt underscored the importance of education in driving long-term societal change, highlighting the need to shift focus from enforcement to education.
The content of this article is based on information from a recent news release by the Toronto Police Service.