Toronto cyclists rally after police takedown leaves rider with concussion

Cyclists are gathering Thursday evening at Little Norway Park to protest what organizers describe as excessive police force, days after a rider was tackled during a traffic stop on Queens Quay that drew widespread social media attention.

The cyclist's lawyer, David Shellnutt, says his client has been diagnosed with a concussion, soft-tissue injuries, cuts, bruises, and psychological trauma from the May 31 incident near Queens Quay West and Little Norway Crescent. The takedown occurred during a stop-sign enforcement blitz.

Shellnutt said his client was not assessed or treated by officers at the scene despite having an "obvious head injury" after being tackled off his bike. The cyclist's family took him to the emergency room later that night.

Toronto police defended the officers' actions. Chief Myron Demkiw said the takedown was consistent with training and that the cyclist's behavior — failing to stop, swearing at officers, and attempting to flee — escalated the situation. The Toronto Police Association also issued a statement supporting the officers, saying they acted "lawfully and appropriately."

Shellnutt criticized police leadership for failing to acknowledge the force used and accused the service of "green-lighting use of force against cyclists who break traffic laws." The protest begins at 6 p.m. Thursday.