On one day every year, Torontonians can experience the thrill of a ciclovia, a temporary road closure to cars for the benefit of other users such as cyclists. I am referring to the Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart, a charity ride which allows cyclists and in-line skaters to travel the DVP and Gardiner Expressway free of cars and trucks.  I was one of the over 12,000 participants at this year’s event on June 1st. I have three observations I would like to share:

Cycling is for everyone! I saw people there of all ages and walks of life: training wheels, recumbents, tandems, trailers, third wheels, cruisers, racers, families, new love, old love, too much spandex, and a whole lot of smiling. For those new to cycling, it is a great place to learn. Plus, it gives our youth a crucially important impression about the fun and importance of this exercise. For the experienced cyclists, it is a great place to reconnect with the cycling community. For me, it was a breath of fresh air. I think H.G. Wells put it best: “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”

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