Those who were there certainly were loving it but the question the City must answer is whether there is enough interest in the Open Streets concept to justify it another year. There was a larger turn-out at Bloor and Yonge for Open Streets 2 than the first Sunday closing two weeks ago. Events of Sunday August 31, 2014 saw a lot of chalk drawing on the pavement, much as you would find at any neighborhood street party during the children’s playtime. Difference here is that come 5 p.m., nobody has a martini hour ready to go. This event ends at noon and there is no alcohol allowed (a good thing). A modest concern again this week as bicycles mixed freely with pedestrians, including families with kids. It was a welcome sight that most riders were taking it very slowly as the conditions required. But some were not. We only have to look at the bylaws to know that bicycles are not allowed where pedestrians go. The odds seem high on a bicycle colliding with a pedestrian at some point. Call us alarmist if you like but the scene is set. Photos from left: Witty host John Catucci of the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here was in good form as he solicited votes for David Soknacki. Lady in pink seems well-prepared for her cycling day and two proud residents of South Riverdale. A big South Bayview salute folks.
