Bike Friendly Montreal
Montreal hosts Montreal Bike Fest, Maison des Cyclistes, and BIXI
May 20, 2009
Here are a few ways to enjoy bicycling in Montreal, Quebec.
Pedal Power Rules on the Streets of Montreal
The Montreal Bike Fest is a family-friendly week-long festival catered to bicycling enthusiasts of all levels. Activities include a countryside bike tour, a ride-your-bike-to-work initiative, and a nighttime mini bike tour of the city.
Tour de l’Ile, the festival's centerpiece tour, celebrates a milestone 25th anniversary this year June 7, 2009. Montreal hometown favorites, Cirque du Soleil, who celebrate their own 25th anniversary in 2009 as well, provide a most colorful send-off to the event.
- The Montreal Bike Fest runs May 31 through June 7.
- The countryside tour, the Metropolitan Challenge, is held May 31. The tour is held on the South Shore of Montreal. Various course lengths are available from 75 to 150 kilometers.
- The Tour la Nuit is held the evening of June 5. The course runs for 20 km — about 12 miles.
- The Tour de l’Ile is held June 7. The course runs 52 kilometers (or 31 miles).
- Tour de l’Ile adult rates cost $24. Late registration after June 1 costs $29.
- Tour de l’Ile children 7 to 14 and senior rates cost $12 for early registration.
- Family and combo packages are available.
- Call (514) 521-8356 or (800) 567-8356.
Maison des Cyclistes is Montreal's Home for the Cycling Enthusiast
Based in the Plateau neighborhood just across the street from Parc Lafontaine, Maison des Cyclistes/Velo Quebec is a fine resource for the biking enthusiast. The site features cycling-themed books, maps, and a café that offers light breakfast and lunch fare including croissants, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a variety of coffees and espressos for that extra jolt of energy. And there’s plenty of parking, too — for bikes, of course.
An on-site bike tour travel agency can create an itinerary for groups and individuals who wish to bike their way throughout Quebec, Canada, the United States, and the whole world.
- Maison des Cyclistes is at 1251 Rachel St. E.
- Call (514) 521-8356 or (800) 567-8356.
It’s a Bike. It’s a Taxi. It’s Both! BIXI in Montreal
Don’t have a bicycle when visiting Montreal? Don’t worry, BIXI has come to town. Making its debut in May 2009, BIXI, which combines bicycle and taxi, is an easy-to-use self-serve bicycle kiosk run by the city of Montreal where you can rent a bike using your credit card. The service is available to locals and tourists alike. There are some 300 locations throughout the city renting 3,000 bicycles.
- The first 30-minutes are free.
- A day pass costs $5 (Canadian dollars).
- Additional fees cost $1.50 for the second half hour; $3 for the third half-hour; and an $6 thereafter.
- A temporary $250 fee is charged to your credit card until the bike is returned.
- You don’t need to return your BIXI to the station from where you departed.
- BIXI station location maps are available online.
- Call (514) 789-BIXI (2494) or (877) 820-2453.
The Great Bike Tour Exhibition at Chateau Ramezay
Chateau Ramezy Museum offers “The Great Bike Tour,” an exhibition that explores the history of the bicycle in Montreal — from an authentic penny farthing to a BIXI mentioned above. The exhibition features dozens of artifacts and cycling memorabilia.
- "The Great Bike Tour” continues through Sept. 7, 2009.
- Chateau Ramezay is at 280 Notre Dame St. E. in Old Montreal.
- Admission costs $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, and $6 for students.
- Call (514) 861-3708.
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