Cyclist Rides Every Toronto Street in 5.5 Years

A five-and-a-half-year cycling odyssey across Toronto has concluded, with Dave Laird having ridden every street, trail, dead-end, and laneway in the city. This monumental effort spanned 6,784 kilometres, transforming his perception of Toronto. Laird began this personal challenge while training, using a GPS tracker to meticulously map his progress through unfamiliar neighbourhoods and ravine systems.

The journey was not without peril. Laird experienced only two flat tires but endured a serious mountain biking accident in 2024, resulting in fractures to his neck and back. This injury forced a six-month hiatus, significantly delaying his planned five-year completion. Returning to cycling after such a severe injury was terrifying, but he resumed his quest in September, finding joy in being back on his bike.

Laird's extensive exploration provided him with a unique perspective on Toronto's cycling infrastructure, noting both its strengths and significant gaps, particularly in Scarborough. He expressed disappointment over the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street West. Having now mapped the entire city, Toronto feels smaller to him, a place he knows intimately.