About EyeRide
Founded in 2024 by passionate para-athletes and sighted allies, EyeRide is an annual cycling event based in Toronto, supporting causes that enhance the quality of life for those living with vision loss. EyeRide’s mission is to provide an uplifting experience to adventurous souls who share a common vision – to make a difference in the lives of those who are blind or partially-sighted. What makes EyeRide unique is how it empowers individuals with vision loss, helping them to build connections and relationships forged by training and cycling together or alongside sighted participants. Whether cycling tandem – a bike made for two riders – or solo, participants ride with passion and purpose.
Taking place on Saturday, June 21st, the 2nd annual event takes riders on a memorable journey through Ontario’s small towns and beautiful countryside to benefit the blind and low vision community. Cyclists have a choice between two exciting routes: 65 kilometres from Toronto to Alliston, or 130 kilometres from Toronto to Collingwood. Riders will be supported at rest stops scattered throughout the route, and will be celebrated at the finish lines.
EyeRide is more than just another fundraiser – it’s a celebration of resilience and community spirit. Join EyeRide as we pedal towards a brighter future. Cycle, Connect, Change Lives. Together, we can make a difference for people living with vision loss.
This year’s funds will go to BALANCE for Blind Adults and TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club.
What are the Origins of EyeRide?
EyeRide is in its second year, but it started in 2009 under the name “Cycle for Sight”, where sighted and blind athletes, and riders gathered to raise funds for research into treatments for vision loss. For 15 years, the annual event helped bring riders together and raised more than $7 million for Canadian researchers looking to slow or stop the progression of some of the most severe vision loss conditions. When the previous iteration of EyeRide ended, members of the blind/low vision community and advocates felt compelled to reimagine this important community event. It was vital to continue breaking down barriers between able-bodied and disabled athletes, strengthening their bonds and friendships, and raising the profile of the vision loss community.
While it can be challenging to live with vision loss, there are multiple organizations throughout the GTA and Canada looking to empower and support the community so that individuals can live their best lives. As a result, EyeRide transformed itself, building on the strength of its past while pedaling towards the future – a stigma-free world for those with vision disabilities.
In 2024, with an experienced, eager team at the helm, the inaugural EyeRide came together in a few short months. The event was hugely successful, with 39 riders raising a total of $57,000, which funded two incredible organizations that help promote mental and physical well-being for individuals with vision loss, while helping to carry on the tradition of community-building and friendship. With less than a week to go, we have already surpassed this total in 2025, with the goal of raising $100,000 for two small-but-mighty organizations making a positive difference in the lives of people with vision loss.
What two Organizations does EyeRide Support and Why were they Chosen?
EyeRide 2025 supports TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club and BALANCE for Blind Adults, two GTA-based organizations helping people with vision loss achieve their full potential by promoting independence, social interaction, recreation and physical activity, and empowering individuals to secure meaningful employment.
The team behind EyeRide recognizes the incredible contributions each organization makes to the vision loss community and wishes to keep building on the incredible work they do. Funds raised by EyeRide 2025 will be split evenly between both organizations.