Earlier this month, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned last year’s decision by Justice Paul Schabas in favour of Cycle Toronto; meaning the proposed bike lane removals on Bloor, Yonge, and University could go ahead. There was also an announcement from mayoral candidate Brad Bradford stating that he would remove the Bloor bike lanes in Etobicoke. Given these developments, a Critical Mass ride was held last night which easily saw more than 1000 cyclists in attendance. Some even cited attendance as high as 1500 or 2000 which would make this ride amongst the largest ever in Toronto!
The Prince Edward Viaduct Parkette was already full by the time Helen, Mozzie, and I arrived.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Cycle Toronto’s Executive Director Michael Longfield looking serious.
Michael introducing the Mayor and thanked the organizers.
Here’s Jun who’s on the same mission! You can read his post here.
Mayor Olivia Chow begins her speech by saying no one should have to worry about getting home safely. She talked about her past dooring incidents, the long fight for bike lanes on Bloor, and called out Doug Ford’s attacks on Toronto – including on speed cameras and Billy Bishop Airport – when he should be standing up for Canada amidst the latest round of Trump tariffs.
Former Councillor Mike Layton – who’s running to get his old seat back in my ward – is there with his bike themed dress shirt.
Dave Shellnutt gave a final safety talk before the ride began. He said the ride would go by Councillor Brad Bradford’s office and then Queen’s Park.
Some media were present including CTV News who interviewed Michael.
Moving to the road.
It didn’t take long for us to take over the Viaduct!
Of course, Alison Stewart had to show up with her banana outfit and her yellow bike “La banane”! Because ripping out bike lanes IS bananas!
Approaching Carlaw. At least one driver was giving us high fives which was awesome!
Riding by East Lynn Park.
Now onto Woodbine.
There’s Heather! She told me it took at least seven minutes for her to record everybody on the ride on the Danforth.
Gathered in front of Brad Bradford’s office.
Time to flip off his office Ai Weiwei style! I saw at least one other person do this.
Poor Mozzie was in his cargo bike (Mozzmobile) for a long time, though a lot of riders commented on how calm he was inside. Yes, he was a very good boy.
Time to head back. Fortunately, the ride back was faster.
My Simcoe County Loop Trail shirt arrived yesterday afternoon just in time for Critical Mass!
At Danforth and Greenwood, I was finally able to get in front to record a video which you can watch at the end of the post along with another video Tom Flood shared on Bluesky.
There’s Helen. I had to stop the video there to prevent Mozzie from getting anxious.
Nice to see another dog out, though Mozzie wished Jun had brought Loki.
Riding back across the Viaduct just in time for sunset! While most of the group continued to Queen’s Park, Helen, Mozzie, and I left after the Viaduct to return home.
Big thanks to Mayor Olivia Chow for speaking at tonight's ride, as well as to Cycle Toronto, ARC, and The Biking Lawyer for putting it together. And of course, to all of you who took part in a ride that’s certainly one for the record books!
You can read CityNews' report on the ride here.
Unreal. This is the largest critical mass I’ve ever been apart of. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Tom Flood (@tomflood.bsky.social) August 28, 2026 at 6:49 PM
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