Toronto's famous bike lane referee back for four enforcement performances in September

Toronto’s famous bike lane referee back for four enforcement performances in September

Toronto cycling advocate Martin Reis made headlines around the world last week when he dressed in a soccer referee uniform to enforce bike lane rules by issuing yellow and red cards to motorists. Now, after his successful debut as a bike lane referee, Reis has announced he will “perform” on four Wednesday afternoons in September. […]

Toronto cycling advocate Martin Reis made headlines around the world last week when he dressed in a soccer referee uniform to enforce bike lane rules by issuing yellow and red cards to motorists.

Now, after his successful debut as a bike lane referee, Reis has announced he will “perform” on four Wednesday afternoons in September.

Taking inspiration from the ongoing Women’s World Cup, Reis came up with the effective way to grab drivers’ attention and treat the situation with humor instead of anger in hopes of educating the masses.

“The idea was inspired by soccer as a universal language that most people in the world and appreciate,” says Reis, an independent photojournalist and cycling advocate. “Also by performance artists like Jacques Tati, Miss Canadiana and Sally McKay and Ben Smith Lea.”

Upcoming Crosswalk Referee performances: All at Peter & Richmond – 4:45pm.
Friday Aug 25: Cancelled!! 😔
Wednesday afternoons Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27.
My sincerest apologies for having to postpone this weeks’ performance. Photos by @ayndroid pic.twitter.com/X8SDf0hVHU

— Martin Reis (@BikeLaneDiary) August 25, 2023

Forcing cyclists into traffic is perilous, especially during rush hours. Leaving bike lanes and dodging cars is risky. Invasive cars in bike lanes pose more danger. Cyclists and pedestrians face accidents due to limited visibility.

Reis’s approach effectively raises awareness among drivers who might unknowingly be putting commuters in danger when they head home from work or run errands. He took it upon himself to use humor to educate local drivers, and he is happy with the results.

“It went so well earlier this week, I thought, pedestrians and cyclists blocked by cars appreciated the support and many drivers either tried to move out of the way or took the cautions and red cards with good humour,” he says.

Soccer referee and cycling advocate Martin Reis at work

Reis adds that cycling in Toronto is getting better, especially downtown, and with a new mayor who is a year-round bicyclist, things are looking up.

“Cycling in Toronto is improving finally at least downtown and we hope that with Olivia Chow as our new Mayor the suburbs will get their long overdue bike lanes!” Reis says. “A final thought. The angrier you get, the funnier you have to get. That’s what I hope to do with these performances during the World Cup.”