{"id":714533,"date":"2026-06-04T12:56:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/714533\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T12:56:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:56:11","slug":"toronto-cyclists-to-rally-after-police-takedown-injures-rider-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/714533\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto cyclists to rally after police takedown injures rider: lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"

A protest calling for an end to what organizers describe as anti\u2011cyclist violence is set to take place in Toronto on Thursday evening at Little Norway Park, days after a cyclist was tackled to the ground by police<\/a> during a traffic stop on Queens Quay.<\/p>\n

The demonstration comes as the cyclist\u2019s lawyer, David Shellnutt, says his client has now been diagnosed with a concussion, along with soft\u2011tissue injuries, cuts, bruises and \u201cpsychological trauma\u201d stemming from the incident.<\/p>\n

The takedown \u2014 captured on video and widely shared online \u2014 occurred on Sunday, May 31, near Queens Quay West and Little Norway Crescent, where Toronto police were conducting a stop\u2011sign enforcement blitz.<\/p>\n

In a statement, Shellnutt said his client was not assessed or treated by officers at the scene, despite having an \u201cobvious head injury\u201d after being tackled off his bike.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur client has been diagnosed with a head injury\/concussion and given a referral to a head injury clinic,\u201d Shellnutt said. \u201cHis concussion symptoms remain ongoing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer added that the cyclist\u2019s family took him to the emergency room later that night and accused police of using excessive force and failing to follow basic duty\u2011of\u2011care obligations.<\/p>\n

Shellnutt also cited Section 25(3) of the Criminal Code<\/a>, arguing the force used was not justified and posed \u201ca very real threat\u201d to the cyclist\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n

Police response: TPS and TPA defend officers\u2019 actions<\/p>\n

Toronto police have said<\/a> the cyclist failed to stop at a posted sign, swore at officers and attempted to flee before being arrested and issued three provincial offence notices.<\/p>\n

Chief Myron Demkiw defended the officers\u2019 actions earlier this week, saying the takedown was consistent with training and that the cyclist\u2019s behaviour escalated the situation.<\/p>\n

The Toronto Police Association (TPA) also issued a statement supporting the officers, saying they acted \u201clawfully and appropriately\u201d and that the video circulating online does not show the full context of the interaction. The TPA said officers were conducting targeted enforcement in response to community complaints and that the cyclist\u2019s refusal to comply created a safety risk.<\/p>\n

Shellnutt sharply criticized Toronto police leadership, saying Demkiw \u201ccannot admit when perhaps his officer went too far,\u201d and accused the service of \u201cgreen\u2011lighting use of force against cyclists who break traffic laws and use profanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cyclists and supporters will gather at 6 p.m. Thursday to protest what organizers call a pattern of escalating force against vulnerable road users.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany Torontonians have been shocked by what we believe is excessive force,\u201d Shellnutt said. \u201cCyclists are meeting this evening\u2026 to protest against this incident of anti\u2011cyclist violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tThe near-one-minute clip, posted to X by cycling advocate David Shellnutt, shows two officers forcefully bringing a cyclist to the ground as bystanders react in shock. Photo: David Shellnutt\/X. <\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

Add CityNews Toronto as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n

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