Have Your Say in Toronto's First Micromobility Strategy
I often hear from Ward 15 residents who are concerned about electric bikes and scooters being operated on city sidewalks. At the July meeting of City Council, I voted to direct Transportation Services to develop a Micromobility Strategy, which will address the opportunities and challenges associated with bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and other small vehicles.
The Strategy will stipulate which vehicles types can be used in the city and where they can operate, with a focus on the interaction between micromobility vehicles and other road users. Presently, bikes and e-bikes are not permitted to be operated on the sidewalk in Toronto, while e-scooters are banned altogether. City staff have advised that it is challenging to enforce these by-laws due to the lack of a licencing system and regulatory framework. Among other opportunities, the Micromobility Strategy will explore the licencing of small vehicles and include strategies to improve safety for all road users.
Until December 13, residents are encouraged to share their feedback through a survey on the City's website. The Micromobility Strategy is expected to be finalized next year.