– The Biking Lawyer (Dave Shellnutt) (@TheBikingLawyer) June 15, 2022 A personal injury lawyer and a Toronto-based bicycle lawyer have criticized what he says is a “targeted campaign” by police to catch cyclists speeding in city parks. Police were found earlier this week using radar weapons in High Park, Canadian city, a popular hangout for cyclists passing by to avoid busy – and often dangerous – bicycle routes in the area. David Shellnut is one of many Toronto cyclists criticizing the campaign, which has been in place since at least the summer of 2020, which the lawyer claims is a waste of resources, citing police evidence of cyclist injuries compared to guides for support. his case. 1 of the nearly 17,000 dead or seriously injured (KSI) collisions since 2006 per Toronto police database has taken place in High Park. None in the main loop is so popular with people on bicycles. This effort is at best a distraction to make our roads safer for all road users. h / t: @dereklind pic.twitter.com/MF07y3OK2m – MWCC (@midweekcycling) June 16, 2022 “A friend of mine [was] passing through the park on his way to work and [was given] a $ 120 ticket, “Shellnut told blogTO. “The following week, he cycled on the sidewalk next to the park – he likes the park to be safe – so he says, ‘I guess I’ll go on the bike path next to him’ and is hit by a driver turning right who fails to give the right way and breaks his key. “The driver gets less ticket than my client for speeding in the ’70s Raleigh in High Park.” Shellnut continued: “People are being killed on the street next door [the park]. It does not make sense what they are trying to do. “If your kids have to ask for another $ 25 million a year and resources are limited, what do they do when they spend money on things that are not really a problem?” “There are no statistics to support what they are doing.” I wonder how it is always the “optimal use of limited policing resources” and somehow cyclist policing was high on this list? – Brian 🇺🇦 (@ Bravado_5) June 15, 2022 The lawyer also told the website that cyclists, especially those from minority backgrounds, felt “somewhat uncomfortable, terrified” by the constant police presence – and the use of a weapon-like object – in the park. Last week, the Toronto Police Chief apologized after a recent study found that racial profile and discrimination is a systemic issue within the police. Shellnut acknowledged that pedestrians can be “a little annoyed when a cyclist walks in the park. I’m sure this happens, and I do not rule out anyone’s feelings or experiences, but [seeking] solutions to these problems “, one of which is a possible morning reception for cyclists in the park to drive to work quickly and safely. “Just because we have a billion-dollar hammer does not mean that every problem is a nail,” he said. I hear the police in High Park again. Sorry to ruin your day. Attentive riders. – The Biking Lawyer (Dave Shellnutt) (@TheBikingLawyer) June 21, 2022 A Toronto police spokesman defended the speeding campaign in the park, saying it was being carried out “in response to concerns and to help keep the community safe.” “Members cooperated with city law enforcement officers by stopping vehicles and cyclists witnessed speeding or committing offenses such as failing to stop at stop signs. Police officers and law enforcement officers train the driver or rider on their behavior. “These members are placed on stop signs at various locations in the park. This has served as a training ground for cyclists who are aware of the HTA violations they could face as well as the inherent dangers of speeding. Toronto police assistants have also been notified to patrol the park. “This was welcomed by the local community as well as by those who visit the park.”
