ARC was initially formed to lobby for a coroner's inquest and to help in the defense of the two cyclists arrested at Critical Mass.
It has since expanded to provide support and legal advice to cyclists involved in accidents, to educate on cyclists' rights, and to hold direct actions aimed at changing society's dependence on the automobile.
[1] In 1996, two cyclists were killed on the streets of Toronto, Erin Krauser and Martha Kennedy.
In 2003, ARC began producing a 'report card' on the conditions for cyclists in Toronto.
It graded the city and the municipal government for efforts in improving cycling infrastructure.