Toronto police have initiated a two-week campaign aimed at enforcing traffic regulations for micromobility devices in preparation for the upcoming back-to-school period. The goal is to enhance public awareness regarding the proper use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles.
According to a press release from the Toronto Police Service, the rising popularity of micromobility devices, such as bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters, necessitates a collective effort to ensure safety on the city’s roads.
During the campaign, officers will educate road users on various infractions, including riding on sidewalks illegally, cycling in the wrong direction on cycle tracks, improper use of e-mopeds in cycle tracks, and unauthorized parking in bike lanes.
Scheduled to run until August 24, the initiative aims to promote safe and lawful road behavior while reducing collisions involving vulnerable road users, as reported by the police. Notably, there have been 514 collisions involving micromobility devices in Toronto this year, resulting in two fatal incidents related to e-scooters.
Sgt. Murray Campbell emphasized that illegal parking can heighten the risk of accidents by disrupting the flow of traffic. The police will strictly enforce regulations on roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks, sidewalks, and crosswalks. It is important to note that while owning e-scooters is legal in the city, riding them on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, cycle tracks, or trails is prohibited.
Campbell advised the public to consult the city’s website for designated areas where micromobility devices can be used safely. Addressing the confusion surrounding permissible locations for device use within Toronto, he stressed the importance of adhering to set parameters for the safety of all road users.
Toronto police have previously conducted similar campaigns, including initiatives in the past summer and November 2024. In response to concerns over the efficacy of ticketing as a solution, David Shellnutt, a personal injury lawyer and managing partner at The Biking Lawyer LLP, advocated for educational efforts to address the underlying issues. He has been conducting educational workshops for e-bike food delivery riders in collaboration with Cycle Toronto, emphasizing the need for a focus on education to drive lasting societal change.