BIXI

Studying and working at CycloChrome

Day after day, the BIXI bike fleet is in the good hands of the young technicians at CycloChrome. This social economy enterprise, created specifically for the maintenance, contributes to the fight against dropping out of school by offering high school students the option of training that will lead to the practicing of a semi-specialized occupation: bicycle repair technician. This new vocational designation was proposed as part of this project, and just recently approved by the ministère de l’Éducation, du loisir et du sport.

This project came to fruition thanks to the collaborative efforts of Stationnement de Montréal, the organization mandated by the City of Montreal to create the BIXI Public Bike System, and the CDEC Rosemont-La Petite Patrie. In partnership with Père-Marquette high school, CycloChrome conducts a work-study training program in two parts: one aimed at passing the regular courses of the first cycle of high school; the other focused on technical training, with courses on bicycle mechanics in general and BIXI bikes specifically, along with studies in road safety and customer service.

Once they have their Skills Training Certificate in their hands, students have many options open to them: seeking employment with CycloChrome or with other companies offering bicycle maintenance services, or continuing with general or professional studies.

At CycloChrome, the young technicians work on the road and in the workshop. Mounted on electric bikes equipped with a small trailer for tools, they go from station to station performing maintenance and small repairs on site. They report bikes requiring more significant repairs, which are then picked up by truck and brought to the workshop.

BIXI bikes have a unique design incorporating the latest technological developments, notably those dealing with certain mechanical components and their aluminum manufacture. Maintaining the bikes requires special tools and knowledge, which the young certified technicians are all proud of.