Bixi Montréal is launching its cycling season earlier than ever, with over half of its network available to users starting immediately and expected to reach 85% by next week.
This early start comes as the city reports a significant increase in Bixi usage, with 2023 seeing a 31% rise in users compared to 2022 and a 55% increase from 2021.
The city is investing in additional bikes and stations to meet the growing demand. A winter pilot project showed strong demand for year-round cycling, prompting the city to renew the project next year.
Bixi states that cyclists using the service in Quebec will have over 11,000 bicycles to choose from in 2024 – including thousands of electric bikes – at approximately 930 stations across eight different cities in the province. Despite initial concerns, Bixi bikes performed well during the winter, with fewer repairs than expected. The city also plans to expand the Réseau Express Vélo (REV) network to further promote cycling as a mode of transportation.
