Toronto police have initiated a two-week campaign to enforce traffic rules for micromobility devices in anticipation of the upcoming school season. The aim is to enhance awareness of the regulations concerning e-bikes, e-scooters, and other similar vehicles. According to a news release by the Toronto Police Service, there is a growing trend in the use of micromobility gadgets, including bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters.
The police force emphasized that safety is a shared responsibility, whether individuals are driving, cycling, riding an e-bike, using another micromobility device, or walking. They highlighted the importance of making safe and lawful choices to ensure the well-being of everyone on the roads of Toronto. During the campaign, officers will educate road users on various infractions such as illegal sidewalk riding, riding in the wrong direction in cycle tracks, unauthorized use of e-mopeds in cycle tracks, and improper parking in bike lanes.
Scheduled to run until August 24, the primary goal of the initiative is to promote safe and legal road usage and decrease the number of collisions involving vulnerable road users, as stated by the police. This year, Toronto has already witnessed 514 collisions involving micromobility devices, including two fatal accidents related to e-scooters.
Sgt. Murray Campbell highlighted that illegal parking can heighten the risk of accidents by disrupting the flow of bicycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. The enforcement activities will cover roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks, sidewalks, and crosswalks. While owning e-scooters is legal in the city, it is important to note that riding them on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, cycle tracks, or trails is prohibited.
Campbell urged the public to refer to the city’s website for a list of authorized locations for using micromobility devices. He emphasized that navigating these rules in Toronto can sometimes be confusing and that the regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all individuals. Toronto police have previously conducted similar campaigns, including one last summer and an initiative in November 2024.
David Shellnutt, a personal injury lawyer and managing partner at The Biking Lawyer LLP, suggested that education is key to addressing the issue effectively. He has been organizing educational workshops for e-bike food delivery riders in collaboration with Cycle Toronto. Shellnutt stressed the importance of focusing on education to bring about long-term societal change rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.