Free parking in Toronto

From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada

TORONTO, ON -- Toronto City Council passed a motion yesterday that will see free street parking for motorcycles and other improvements for motorcycles and motorized scooters in the City of Toronto.

The relevant parking by-laws will soon be amended to exempt motorcycles, as defined in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, from standard parking fees at all on-street parking meters or parking machines. Also, by-laws will soon be amended to allow motorcycles to park, where on-street parking is lawfully allowed, at an angle, but not more than sixty (60) degrees to the curb.

In addition, the Toronto Parking Authority (the ‘TPA’) will submit a report to the Works Committee detailing how the TPA could designate a small area at all of their indoor and outdoor ‘Green P’ lots where motorcycles may park for free. The City will also evaluate allowing scooters to park on sidewalks.

The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada’s (MCC’s) general manager Peter Jacobs made a deputation to the Works Committee on Oct. 11 making a strong case in support of the motion, advanced by Toronto City Councillor Case Ootes (Ward 29 Toronto Danforth).

“The City is demonstrating real leadership on this issue," Jacobs said. “Motorcycles use less space on the road, less space in parking, consume less fuel and produce less emissions. With motorcycle and scooter sales increasing steadily, this decision clearly indicates the City is committed to reducing congestion and pollution. We will work to persuade other jurisdictions to follow Toronto’s lead.”

MCC is Canada’s largest association representing motorcyclists’ interests. Its membership comprises more than 200 clubs and represents over 70,000 riders from all across Canada.