Watchdog: An excellent bicycle ride in the East York Canada Day Parade

Well, True again proved the critics wrong.

While it was a small affair held on the lawn of the East York Board of Education offices on Cosburn Avenue — it was successful enough to be continued.

So from there it grew and then someone suggested that there should be a parade.

Today, that parade is the centre piece for the entire event.

Thanks to True Davidson’s genius of local organization and common-sense management, the event was completely managed by the community. As a result, it has always been a true East York institution, completely run by local volunteers and community groups.

This year, thanks to the hard work of the community volunteer group Ward 29 Bikes I was able to participate in the parade. At 8:30 a.m. I joined an excited group of cyclists who, thanks to the bike group, were able to festoon our bikes in Canadian flags and red and white bunting.

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• Dec 31, 1969
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• Dec 31, 1969
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Despite the gathering dark clouds in the west, everyone was excited and ready to roll when then grand marshal blew his whistle.

So off we went, bells ringing, and performing some impromptu precision driving in circles as we made our way along the route. What a tremendous feeling it was to be part of the excitement and show off our patriotism and cycling skills at the same time.

Then the heavens opened up and the rain poured down, but that didn’t dampen our spirits, nor those watching along the route.

Soaked as we were, we just kept on riding and waving to the crowds while putting on a display of our riding skill.

It was a delight to see the smiling faces of children and adults as we made our way along the route.

As we rode past, it was a delight to see so many Canadian flags waving and people shouting: Happy Canada Day!’.

I definitely felt a spirit of community in the enthusiasm of both the people marching and riding in the parade, as well as those waving and cheering along the route.

It was truly an East York moment once again, showing that we’re more than just a name on the map, but a true community with deep roots and a strong spirit.

True Davidson would definitely have been pleased to see how her "little idea" has come to define us.

It was with regret that our portion of the parade ended and our group of cyclists headed off to respectfully remove our Canadian flags and other decorations.

Ward 29 Bikes will continue to advocate for safe cycling in the ward as well as work with other cycling groups to make Toronto a safer place for bicycle use.

If you want to know more about this group and the good work they do, visit http://29bikes.ca