The Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner were clogged Sunday morning - but the usual culprits weren't the ones to blame. Take a look at the picture - it's a rare chance to see the DVP without a single car on it.
And in that sense there was a different kind of traffic, as the
Becel Ride For Heart took off on two wheels, even as the annual event to clear clogged arteries ironically blocked two major ones in Toronto: the DVP and the Gardiner were closed to cars until 2pm Sunday.
But it was for a good cause, as thousands of cyclists and rollerbladers took over the roads to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Early estimates place the total money raised around $3 million, all from the efforts of participants.
Riders could compete in three races: 25 km, 50km, and a whopping 75km.
Tina Weisz completed the 25km trek.
"I love to be able to ride on the Gardiner and the Don Valley Parkway without any cars," she beamed. "It's just the freedom of doing the rolling hills and seeing the, you know, beautiful city and it's just fun."
Federal NDP leader Jack Layton was also on hand.
"It's great to be back at the Ride for Heart," Layton said, before listing some of the reasons he enjoys the event.
"It raises the public health message, an environmental message, it's good family fun. And seeing all those bikes on the Gardiner and the Don Valley just lifts your spirits...it's amazing," he explained.
Dr. Marco Di Buono of the Heart and Stroke Foundation couldn't resist the many puns available to him. "It really warms my heart," he said with a smile.
"We're clogging the streets of Toronto for one day but working collectively to unclog the arteries of Ontarians 365 days a year."
It's the 21st time the race has graced Toronto's streets.
To take a look at the routes that were closed,
click here.
And for some scenes from Sunday's action, click on the video link.