There we were like the six riders of the apocalypse heading into Ford country. As soon as we were across the Bloor viaduct the abuse began. This was not a pace that was nice to bikes. We were like a small commando team going into unknown waters. Where we were going was Ford Country. No bikes allowed. Our route was across the viaduct and then straight up O'Connor to where it turns into Eglington. We were going to weave our way around the area, try to find a calm way, but then we realized we were in a bike/taxi/bus lane. So we decided to take the lane.
Somewhere along the way a police cruiser pulled along side us.
"Pull over, you are blocking traffic!" The officer said without slowing down.
"But we are riding in a staggered line."
"Yeah but you are still blocking traffic."
"But this is our lane. See? There is a bike on that sign up there."
The cop looked ahead, peering closely at the sign. "Holy damn you're right," the cop said, "Carry on."
And with that the cop car accelerated and was gone.
For the next half hour we braved the bike lane with cars actually being very good about the whole deal. Only one or two idiots accelerating from behind and then cut in close to get to that next red light. Then we did a turn onto Midland and went north from there. All the way to the 401 and beyond. Until we finally came upon the intersection where the accident happened.
A woman on the front lawn of her house, watering her front lawn did a double take when we dismounted and started to construct our signs that the City Cycling committee lent to us. They said,
After a quick perusal of the situation we decided that it would be best if four of us held the four signs and the other two took to the street and gave out the flyers explaining to drivers why we were there. We held the intersection for one minute. Thirty seconds in the horns started to honk. But we stayed in the intersection, six against the automobiles.
We walked off the street with dignity. One of us lit a candle and laid flowers on a TTC bus stop post. The lady who had been watering her lawn came over to us and said it was really cool what we had been doing. She went on to tell us that the family had shown up the night before and lit incense for their fallen relative. We had tried to contact the family, but we were not sure if we had contacted the right people.
She then told us that this intersection is notorious for accidents. Last year another cyclist had been hit, but survived. Another time her dad's car had been destroyed and then there was the time the TTC bus ended up in their front door.
She walked away and we got on our bikes and headed back to the subway and took the silver worm back into town. I am glad we went. I am also glad that there were people in Etobicoke. I am also glad to be associated with people like ARC who does this kind of shit. Congratulations to everyone involved.