I love you, Bixi!
Whoever thought of these things should be set ablaze for fear that they may one day use their genius to discover a way to create deplorable weapons using energy from something as harmless as subatomic particles … Seriously, these bixi bikes (which I affectionately referred to as bixi-trains) were not only pleasant traveling vehicles, but a product that said much about Montreal’s commitment to the mobility, health, and attractiveness of its city and civilians.
The bikes were viable travel modes that were inexpensive. If traveling for under 30 minutes, the bikes only cost $5 per day- a fact that most people don’t realize thanks to the confusing wordage on the bike stations. The time limits can prove to be of little consequence for many as there are so many stations in every neighborhood, so you’re never very far from returning the bike.
As health is a concern for individuals and governments alike, the bixi-trains allow for active participation in one’s inner city travel. The numerous hills (or should I say mountains) of which the city is perched on, allow for a good workout! Provision of these bikes to such an extensive catchment 
of the city also makes for an equitable distribution of travel options-a condition lower-income neighborhoods typically suffer from. Further, biking can be the door to cultivating a culture of activity and health that will continue to affect Montrealians(?) long after their first bixi ride; a sentiment governments that provide citizen healthcare are surely aware of as obesity is no longer a condition, but an epidemic disease!
Apart from the citizen buy-in of actually using these machines, Montreal’s density and urban plan make riding a bike a pleasant experience. It is clear from the bike-only streets and the smaller streets, sidewalks, and alluring streetscape, that the city is indeed a welcoming environment for cyclists and pedestrians. This was evidenced, albeit anectodatally, by a lovely, stylish older woman riding her bike through the dense, yet safe urban jungle. Not unlike girlfriend here: Her flowers-in-the-basket look is killing me softly.
Ah, the bixi. But one of the enjoyable parts of my Montreal adventure! They are on tap to come to New York City and Boston soon, so Americans be warned: you will never want to take the subway or the T (that’s what all you Patriots fans call subterranean trains, right?) again…well, unless it’s raining too hard…or snowing…or you’re wearing a delicate ensemble…or you really don’t want to sweat…or your legs are sore…oh, nevermind.
Bixi official website: bixi.com
