Toronto police have initiated a two-week campaign to enforce traffic laws for micromobility devices in preparation for the upcoming back-to-school period. The goal is to raise awareness about the regulations concerning e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles. According to a news release from the Toronto Police Service, the use of micromobility devices such as bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters is becoming increasingly common.
The police emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility, urging all road users to make safe and lawful decisions while driving, cycling, or using micromobility devices to ensure the safety of everyone on Toronto’s roads. During the campaign, officers will educate individuals about illegal practices like riding on sidewalks, cycling in the wrong direction in cycle tracks, using e-mopeds unlawfully in cycle tracks, and parking illegally in bike lanes.
Running until August 24, 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 with e-scooters, as reported by the police.
Sgt. Murray Campbell highlighted the risks associated with illegal parking, emphasizing that it can lead to accidents by disrupting the flow of traffic. The enforcement efforts will target roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
While owning an e-scooter is legal in Toronto, 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.
David Shellnutt, a personal injury lawyer, stressed the importance of education in addressing the issue, advocating for workshops to educate e-bike food delivery riders. He emphasized that while enforcement may address individual incidents, long-term societal change requires a focus on education.
Toronto police have previously conducted similar campaigns, including those held last summer and in November 2024. The objective remains to ensure safe and responsible use of micromobility devices on the city’s roads.
