Today was a community ride organized by the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition (TCBC) to celebrate the mostly complete installation of the Bloor bike lanes from Runnymede west to Aberfoyle Cres.
There were two start points: at Runnymede, and also at Tom Riley Park. The two groups rode towards each other to meet at the west end of the bridge over the Humber River, and then to ride together down to Etienne Brule Park for some pizza. Here is the group gathering at Runnymede.
Some recumbents. That is Wolf’s Bacchetta that is often seen on rides with the Lakeview Slow Rollers.
Our ride leader is Jessie from TCBC and also We Belong on Bloor. She tells us about how the ride is going to go.
Head Marshall Mark outlines some safety precautions. We will use the bike lane, and there will be some taking of the lane around the intersection with Jane where there are some lane closures due to construction.
Lining up in preparation for starting.
Here we go.
Crossing Windermere.
There’s always someone that just has to park in the bike lane.
Waiting to cross at Jane.
Starting down the hill towards the Humber.
So nice to have lots of elbow room on the bridge.
A picture of the group while waiting for the others to join from the west.
Here comes the other group, led by Albert.
Now that’s everyone.
Albert thanks us for coming.
He introduces Rahul from Sustainable Mississauga.
Rahul and friends were also on an earlier ride that was in support of the Bloor bike lane extension in Mississauga east to the border with Toronto. There was a larger followup ride in March 20, 2022. It is ironic that since those rides, the bike lane extension was approved in Mississauga and yet there will still be a gap on the Toronto side west of Kipling. Always more to work towards…..
Now riding down towards the Old Mill.
A pretty big crowd at the park.
Councillor Amber Morley thanks us for providing the community support that helped her and others to advocate for the Bloor bike lane extension. She reminds us that there is still continuing push back against this project, and that it might build as the installation becomes complete. She asks that we send her notes in support of the bike lane extension to balance out any negative pressure.
The two relevant councillors would be:
Finally, pizza and snacks.
Thanks to TCBC for organizing today’s ride, and to everyone who showed. up.
Great video from Bromptoning.
Joey’s video of Councillor Morley’s speech.
Leave a comment