Bells on Danforth 2015

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Bells on Danforth 2015 is on Saturday, June 6, less than two weeks away. Don’t forget that we’ve changed our starting location to Prince Edward Viaduct Parkette (at the west end of the Viaduct, across from Castle Frank station) and will be riding east this year. Full details are on the 2015 ride information page, including information about the escorted return ride. Most common questions are covered in our FAQ.

Bells on Danforth 2015: Saturday, June 6

Everyone’s been asking when Bells on Danforth will be riding this year. Wonder no more: the east end’s biggest and best celebration of cycling will be leaving the station on Saturday, June 6.

We’ll have more details in the next few weeks and we’ve got some surprises for this year’s edition. Prepare your bells for June 6 and get ready to turn things around!

Bells on Danforth 2014

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The third annual Bells on Danforth is set for Sunday, September 2014. We’re starting at East Lynn Park as always, but this year we’re riding to City Hall to join the party at BIKESTOCK, featuring performances by Countermeasure, Rambunctious, and Evalyn Parry. Check out the ride details and FAQ list for more information about the ride. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.

Still on the fence about joining us? Look at how much fun riders have had on previous rides, then get off that fence and on your bike!

Bells on Danforth 2014: Sunday, September 14

A lot of people have been asking us when to saddle up for Bells on Danforth 2014. You’re going to have to wait just a little bit longer: this year’s ride is on Sunday, September 14. More details will come, but mark the date on your calendars now and join us at East Lynn Park for the ride to BIKESTOCK at City Hall.

While you’re waiting for the big ride, be sure to tell your family and friends about it and ask them to join you this year.

If you’ve enjoyed the ride in previous years and want to volunteer to help this year, drop us a line at info@bellsondanforth.ca. No experience necessary!

Pictures from Bells on Danforth 2013

We had a great ride on Saturday, with more than 250 cyclists starting Bells on Danforth at East Lynn Park and more than 300 riders in total joining us for at least a portion of the route. Thanks to all of the families who celebrated Mother’s Day with us and made this year’s ride a huge success. Here’s a gallery of pictures from Saturday’s ride and and the Cycle and Sole rally with Bells on Bloor, Bells on Yonge, and Walk Toronto.

Thanks to Andrew Lee, Greg Burrell, Lynne Gray and Pink Spokes, and Val Dodge for the pictures.

Bells on Danforth this Saturday

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Join us at East Lynn Park this Saturday, May 11, for a pedal-powered parade to celebrate cycling on Danforth. Gather at noon for the ride along Danforth to Queen’s Park, where we’ll meet Bells on Bloor, Bells on Yonge, and the Walk and Roll Caravan at the Cycle and Sole rally.

If you’re coming from farther east or just want a longer ride, join the group led by TO35Cycles and Ward 36 Cyclists that’s meeting at 11:00 a.m. at the Crossroads of the Danforth (Danforth Ave. and Danforth Rd.).

Here are some questions that we’ve been asked about this year’s ride:

1) Is it safe for children?

Yes! Bells on Danforth is a family event and we encourage parents to ride with their children of all ages. We will have a police escort and several additional ride marshals to keep riders together in one big group and eliminate conflicts with other traffic.

2) How fast does the ride go?

The group travels at a leisurely pace and you’ll almost certainly have no difficulty keeping up. Young children who aren’t able to ride longer distances at a slow but steady pace will enjoy the ride in a bike seat or trailer, or on a trail-a-bike.

3) I can’t ride the entire distance. Can I join along the way or drop out early?

Absolutely. We’re happy to have you along for as much of the route as you and your family wish to ride. If you want to join us along the way, just wait for the group on the north side of Danforth anywhere west of East Lynn Park. We don’t know exactly when we’ll be coming along, so your best bet is to be in position at noon. You won’t be able to miss us.

If you want to drop out of the ride early, just inform the ride marshals at the end of the group that you’re dropping out, then safely pull over to the curb at a convenient spot. If you don’t tell the marshals why you’re stopping, they’ll stop with you.

4) How do I get back home from Queen’s Park after the ride?

You can join one of the organized rides that will return to the east end. We’ll follow a different route back home and won’t have a police escort, but marshals will lead the group back to East Lynn Park. If your home is along the way, just drop out of the group with a wave when you turn into your neighbourhood.

You can also take your bike onto the TTC for a subway ride back home. We recommend cycling up to either St. George or Bay station from Queen’s Park.

5) Is it really fun?

Come to East Lynn Park at noon on Saturday and find out!

Getting the word out

Bells on Danforth promo day #2

Bells on Danforth is just a week away! Several of our volunteers were at Castle Frank and Bloor on Friday morning, helping to publicize the ride to passing cyclists. We’ll be out again one morning next week; keep an eye out for Kathy’s great sign at the side of the street and stop to chat for a few seconds. And more importantly, don’t miss the ride next Saturday!

Two weeks to go!


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Pump up your tires, Bells on Danforth 2013 is just two weeks away! We’re getting ready and you should be too. If you haven’t already taken your bike in for a spring tune-up, Cycle Solutions will once again be at East Lynn Park before the ride on Saturday, May 11 to give light tune-ups and bike advice.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and our Facebook event page for updates.

Volunteer Meeting: Thursday, April 4, 2013

Our second organizing meeting for Bells on Danforth 2013 takes place on Thursday April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the East York Civic Centre. Our agenda this week includes:

  1. Recap of previous meeting.
  2. Brief status reports from everyone with outstanding tasks from the previous meeting.
  3. Sponsorships
  4. Publicity and media
  5. Ride marshals
  6. Volunteer training
  7. New business

Join us at the meeting, or contact info@bellsondanforth.ca if you’d aren’t able to attend but would still like to be involved.

Bells on Danforth 2013 meeting #2
6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2013
Committee Room A
East York Civic Centre (northwest corner of Coxwell & Mortimer Aves)