#13 Bloor Viaduct, 1918

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Bloor Viaduct, 1918

Traffic moves briskly across the Bloor Viaduct in 1918, where early automobiles and cyclists share a broad, dusty roadway under a crisp open sky. The bridge’s sturdy balustrade runs along the left, while a line of tall hydro poles and overhead wires marches into the distance, emphasizing the long span and the new infrastructure reshaping Toronto’s streets.

Cyclists appear in several clusters, riding alongside cars that look heavy and high-sprung, built for rougher road conditions than modern pavement. With few visible lane markings and plenty of space, the scene feels like a transitional moment in urban transport—when the bicycle remained a practical way to cross the city even as motor vehicles became more common on major routes.

For anyone interested in the history of cycling in Toronto, this photograph offers more than a simple commute; it hints at how the Bloor Viaduct quickly became a vital corridor linking neighbourhoods and daily routines. The mix of riders, vehicles, and street hardware captures the texture of early 20th-century city life, making this an evocative addition to collections exploring transportation, streetscapes, and sport on two wheels.