Item - 2025.PA14.8

The Board of Directors of the Toronto Parking Authority:

1. Directed the President, Toronto Parking Authority to implement the necessary changes to the Bike Share Toronto user terms and conditions that will allow users aged 14 to 15 to ride classic bikes when supervised by a parent or guardian.

2. Directed the President, Toronto Parking Authority to implement the necessary changes to the Bike Share Toronto user terms and conditions that will allow users aged 16 to 17 to ride classic bikes and e-bike without being accompanied by a parent or guardian.

City Council on July 24 and 25, 2024, adopted Item MM20.7 and, in so doing, has:

1. Requested the Toronto Parking Authority Board to allow Bike Share users ages 16 and 17 to ride classic (non-electronic) bikes without being accompanied by a parent or a guardian.

2. Requested the Toronto Parking Authority Board to consider allowing Bike Share users between 14 and 16 years of age to ride classic bikes if being accompanied by a parent or a guardian.

Bike Share Toronto is a convenient, affordable, and sustainable mobility option that is an integral component of Toronto’s transportation network and one of North America's largest bike share systems. The program has experienced tremendous growth, expanding from a system of 80 stations and annual ridership of 400,000 in 2011, to a network of over 850 stations, 9,000 bikes (including 1,900 e-bikes) and a total ridership of 7 million in 2024.

The purpose of this report is to outline the Toronto Parking Authority’s (TPA) response to a request made by City Council on July 24, 2024 seeking to expand Bike Share Toronto access by lowering the age of consent for classic (non-electric) bike riders in the 14-15 years of age cohort (with parental consent or approval), and allowing riders aged 16-17 to use classic bikes and e-bikes without parental accompaniment.

Management has reviewed the request from Council and has determined that expanding access to younger users does not introduce any significant operational, safety, reputational, or financial risks. While research indicates limited consumer demand for this change, enabling broader access aligns with Toronto Parking Authority’s commitment to inclusive mobility and is consistent with regulations at other bike share systems in Canada. Risk factors related to cycling infrastructure and user safety have been reviewed, and Management is confident that they can be managed within existing frameworks. As such, management recommends adoption of the changes described herein.