There was some shocking video seen on Monday on a popular bike lane in Toronto as cyclists flocked to the area to ride by the lakeshore. However, in an area where there is a stop sign in a residential area, several police officers were there to enforce stops. But things went sideways when video showed a rider seemingly being tackled by multiple police. Many on social media questioned the excessive use of force. Following widespread reaction on X, Instagram and Facebook, Toronto police responded to the viral video.
The incident
Toronto police confirmed officers were out Sunday evening after complaints about cyclists on the Martin Goodman Trail failing to stop at a posted sign at Queen’s Quay W. and Little Norway Crescent.
In the footage that was posted, it shows an officer running after a cyclist before the pair move out of frame followed by three officers pinning the man to the ground beside his bike.
The video, reposted by David Shellnutt, a.k.a. The Biking Lawyer on Instagram and X, shows a rider being taken to the ground during an interaction with police. The cyclist asks: “What did I do?” An officer responds, “You didn’t stop.”
Video of what appears to be TPS officers tackling & arresting a cyclist during a stop sign trap on the MGT.
Cyclist – “What did I do wrong?”
Cop – “You didn’t stop.”If true, this is excessive use of force for a traffic stop. pic.twitter.com/TA5blkMg1q
— The Biking Lawyer (Dave Shellnutt) (@TheBikingLawyer) June 1, 2026
Shellnutt questioned whether the use of force was proportionate, warning it could escalate tensions between road users and cyclists.
“Using force in this manner to hit a cyclist off their bike for a traffic infraction is incredibly dangerous and a possible example of excessive force,” the cycling advocate said. “The force used must be proportional to the threat you pose. Hitting a cyclist off a bike is considered a high level of force and is generally not permitted for minor infractions.”
In an email to the CBC, Toronto police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said the cyclist went through an intersection at high speed, shouted a profanity at officers and attempted to flee after being told to stop twice. He was arrested and issued provincial offence notices. TPS also posted a response to Shellnutt, which you can read below.
Our response to @TheBikingLawyer regarding recent media comments about our members’ actions. Regardless of mode of transportation, all road users are…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…