Cyclists being ticketed in High Park as city explores whether to ban cars completely

Concerns are being raised over Toronto police officers ticketing cyclists in High Park, reigniting the debate on whether to allow cars in the park once again.

David Shellnutt, with The Biking Lawyer LPP, tells CityNews it is unfortunate that Toronto police are targeting cyclists who are exercising and trying to get through the park safely.

Shellnutt said the best way to make High Park a better place for all is for it to be permanently car-free.

“Taking cars away from the park allows for public space to be shared and utilized in a way that benefits more people than just son sitting in a two-ton motorized steel cage,” said Shellnutt.

“It allows us to have a jog, cycling, hiking and walking lanes as well.”

Shellnutt admits he’s discouraged to see police targeting cyclists constantly.

“It’s frustrating to the cycling community to see us targeted in this public space when every day on the roads, in bike lanes, at intersections, we see motorists blow through, fail to indicate and injure people in staggering numbers,” added Shellnut.

Mayor Tory defends police actions after backlash

Mayor John Tory commented on the recent uproar of the city using police officers to ticket local cyclists. Tory said they are not the only ones enjoying High Park, and pedestrians must be kept safe.

“I just think the police are doing their job, and they do not deserve to be criticized for it … if somebody was to get struck by one of those cyclists that were travelling at high speed and badly injured, then what discussion would we be having about that?” Tory questioned.

“That would be great in a world where there were only cyclists in High Park, but there are other people there, and we have to establish a safe balance between all those different activities, and no group can have their rights to supersede the others.”

“If we can find a way to have a time when more roads are available, cyclists and it wouldn’t matter as much,” he added.

Over the last few days, several people have taken to social media complaining and warning the public of local enforcement ticketing cyclists supposedly speeding through High Park. Photo: CityNews b-roll.

According to the city, the survey asks residents about their priorities and preferences for the existing route through High Park, which includes roads, driveways, parking lots and paved trails.

“We are looking at improving that travel network while protecting the park’s ecological integrity while prioritizing accessibility. Just getting input from everyone interested in sharing their feedback on what they would like to see in the park,” said Jane Arbour, Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Issues Management.

There are four strategies the city is considering:

• No visitor vehicles are allowed within High Park
• No visitor vehicles are allowed at scheduled times
• No visitor vehicles are allowed on certain roads within High Park
• Visitor vehicles allowed in High Park

“People can look for draft strategies so four options for changing the travel network in the park and giving their input and feedback on those four options,” said Arbour.

Vehicles are not allowed in the park on weekends, an initiative started during the pandemic.

“Because we heard from so many about these closures, it was a good time to take a look at the travel network and get more feedback from people about how they were receiving those weekend vehicle closures. And what they wanted to see in the future.”

The online survey runs until August 19 and can be filled out here.