Toronto police have initiated a two-week campaign to enforce traffic regulations concerning micromobility devices before the back-to-school season. The aim is to raise awareness about the rules governing e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles. According to a news release from the Toronto Police Service, there is a growing number of people using micromobility devices such as bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters.
The police emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility, urging road users to make lawful and safe choices while driving, cycling, riding e-bikes, or using other micromobility devices. Officers will be educating the public on issues like illegal sidewalk riding, riding in cycle tracks against traffic flow, unauthorized use of e-mopeds in cycle tracks, and improper parking in bike lanes.
The enforcement campaign, scheduled to continue until August 24, aims to promote safe and legal practices on the roads and reduce collisions involving vulnerable road users. Police data show that there have been 514 collisions involving micromobility devices in Toronto this year, including two fatal e-scooter accidents.
Sergeant Murray Campbell highlighted that illegal parking can heighten collision risks by disrupting the flow of bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles. Police will be monitoring compliance with regulations on roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
The public is reminded that while purchasing or 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 advised that the city’s website provides guidance on permissible areas for using micromobility devices to prevent confusion and ensure safety.
Toronto police have conducted similar campaigns in the past, including initiatives in the previous summer and November 2024. Personal injury lawyer David Shellnutt, managing partner at The Biking Lawyer LLP, emphasized the importance of education over ticketing to address the ongoing challenges faced by motorists, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and pedestrians sharing limited urban space. Shellnutt has been conducting educational workshops for e-bike food delivery riders in collaboration with Cycle Toronto to promote safe practices and reduce conflicts among road users.