Originally, Cycle Toronto was planning to host their annual winter cycling tradition – the Coldest Day of the Year Ride – on Saturday, February 15. However, the heavy snow that weekend and uncleared bike lanes at the time made them postpone the ride to today. This year’s ride lived up to its name with -8’C temperatures unlike in past years which saw about 70 people brave the cold from Perth Avenue Parkette to Michael Power Park in Etobicoke.
I had a dentist appointment in Roncesvalles before the ride, so I biked along Bloor along the way. Most of the Bloor bike lanes were clear, but there was this large mound of snow in the westbound bike lane at Spadina.
A small group had already gathered by the time I arrived at Perth Avenue Parkette at 10:30 AM.
Cycle Toronto’s Michael Longfield gave some opening remarks. He couldn’t ride with us because of a leg injury from when he was doored in December. He’s hoping to be able to ride again in time for Bike to Work Day in late May or early June. Fingers crossed.
The ride starting to assemble along Perth and on Randolph.
Going up the hill past Parkside Drive.
George – the ride leader – taking us through Bloor West Village.
There’s Heather! She said this is the first winter in 23 years of biking in Toronto in which she opted to ride with studded tires.
Waiting at Jane Street just before the construction zone. Jun was in position just past the intersection.
Clearing the construction zone.
There were a couple of cargo bikes with kids in them during this ride.
Brian making his way up from the Humber River.
There’s Jun who wrote a great recap of todays ride.
Bonjour Ali, “vélo mairesse” (Bicycle Mayor) of Toronto!
More uphill climbing before The Kingsway.
Approaching The Kingsway.
Riders approaching Michael Power Park where the ride ended.
Michael Power Park had this gazebo where we all gathered.
Time for a group photo which my phone couldn’t get everyone in. 1 – 2 – 3 – BIKE LANES!
The hot chocolate and snacks arrived a few minutes after we arrived which Michael Longfield said was a testament of bikes being able to get around faster than cars (sometimes).
Since the election signs were still up, it was a good time to send one final message to recently defeated Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth who was one of the leading voices against the Bloor bike lanes in Etobicoke.
Thanks Cycle Toronto for organizing today’s ride and to those of you who made it out! I’ll close off this post with a video I made of the ride leaving Perth Avenue Parkette and crossing the Humber River into Etobicoke.
Brian Capitao - a former journalist who writes the Arctic Wolf News substack - interviewed me at the ride about Bill 212. You can find the interview at the bottom of this article.
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