Toronto police have initiated a two-week traffic enforcement campaign focusing on micromobility devices in preparation for the upcoming back-to-school season. The objective is to raise awareness about the regulations concerning e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles. More individuals are utilizing micromobility devices like bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters, as mentioned in a recent news release by the Toronto Police Service.
The police emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of making safe and lawful choices while driving, cycling, riding e-bikes, or using other micromobility devices. The enforcement officers will be educating road users on various infractions, such as illegal sidewalk riding, riding against the flow of traffic in cycle tracks, unauthorized e-moped use in cycle tracks, and improper parking in bike lanes.
The campaign aims to promote safe and lawful road behavior and reduce collisions involving vulnerable road users. Toronto has witnessed 514 collisions involving micromobility devices this year, including two fatal incidents related to e-scooters. Sergeant Murray Campbell highlighted that illegal parking could heighten collision risks by obstructing the flow of bicycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
Enforcement efforts will cover roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks, sidewalks, and crosswalks. It is imperative to note that while owning an e-scooter in the city is legal, riding them on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, cycle tracks, or trails is prohibited. Sgt. Campbell recommended checking the city’s website for authorized locations to use micromobility devices since the rules can sometimes be confusing.
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, expressed that issuing tickets may not address the underlying issues of conflicts among motorists, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and pedestrians sharing limited space. He emphasized the importance of education and has been organizing educational workshops for e-bike food delivery riders in collaboration with Cycle Toronto to promote long-term societal change through awareness and education efforts.