Bike month kicked off this morning with a group commute ride into Toronto’s downtown core. Cyclists from Bloor Street and High Park in the west end, Danforth and Woodbine avenues in the east, and Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue in the north converge at Yonge and Bloor streets at 7 a.m.

Led by Mayor David Miller, MP Olivia Chow, Ward 35 (Scarborough West) Councillor, chair of the Cycling Advisory Committee, Adrian Heaps, as well as Councillor Adam Giambrone (Ward 18, Davenport), hundreds of bicyclists cruised down Yonge Street to City Hall.

The group covered two city blocks, escorted by police halting traffic at intersections. They arrived at Nathan Phillips Square at 8 a.m., where a free breakfast of pancakes, coffee, croissants and fruit were provided by the St. Lawrence Market. Free T-Shirts commemorating the event were also given out.

Miller then announced the official start of bike month.

“We’re in the midst of implementing a 70 million dollar strategy to actually build bike lanes so you can safely cycle anywhere in Toronto,” he said. “And it’s in that spirit that I would like to proclaim bike month.”

Olivia Chow stressed the importance of cycling. “We know that if we invest in bike infrastructure,” she said, “it’s good for the environment, it’s good for getting more jobs out, and it’s great for all of us in terms of our health.”

Paul Bedford, former chief planner for the city and current Metrolinx Board Member, put a call out to the council members who would be making a decision on the Jarvis Street redesign later that day.

“Cycling is not just a fad or a recreational activity,” he said. “It’s a growing part of the transportation system. I hope council remembers that as it debates Jarvis Street today. Walking and biking is for life.”