The event described as part rally and part an emergency exercise was designed to show the role cyclists can play in disaster response to move people, information and materials, accessing roads, pathways and bridges that may not be accessible to vehicles after an earthquake. 40 cyclists participated in the event taking them from their start point at Topaz Park, through Victoria neighbourhoods where they searched for lost individuals, moved supplies and information and conducted damage control. Bikers used their own bikes that were loaded with 12 litres of water and two eggs while making their way through a simulated damaged and congested transportation system. The Tour de Disaster, the first in Canada, was presented by the City of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition.