BIXI

Montréal to BIXI
For safe riding enjoyment!

BIXI — Montréal’s public bike system – has been a huge success since its launch in spring 2009. So why not join the fun? But make sure you do it safely.

Before setting off, adjust your BIXI

To make sure you are comfortable and can pedal efficiently, adjust the height of your BIXI seat. The seat is well positioned when your leg can be extended with the knee just slightly bent.

Should you wear a helmet?
BIXI promotes helmet use

If you choose to wear a helmet, be sure to get one certified by CSA, CPSC, ASTM, EN or Snell. These acronyms on the inside of the helmet or on the packaging assure you that it complies with national safety standards.
Choose a model that fits the shape of your head, so it can be easily adjusted.
The helmet is properly adjusted when the front and back straps meet under your ear and the chin strap is snug but not too tight. The helmet should not rock forward or backward or sit too far forward or backward on your head. Adjust the straps periodically.
Don’t forget: 50% of cyclists wear poorly fitted helmets, reducing their effectiveness in case of an accident.
Don’t use a helmet that has been damaged.

Biking in urban areas
Be respectful, cautious, and law-abiding!

Montréal is a great place to bike! But to enjoy biking safely we must also be good citizens. It’s only smart to follow well-established rules designed with everyone’s well-being in mind.

Ride in the direction of traffic (unless you’re on a contraflow bike path or lane).
Always stop at red lights – they’re not just for show!
Don’t forget: sidewalks are for pedestrians.
Stay at least 1 metre from parked cars so you have clearance if a door opens suddenly.
Forget about music and earphones when you’re on a bike. Not only are they illegal, but they block out sounds you need to hear.
Ride in a straight line – don’t zigzag.
Ride at a reasonable speed (15 to 20 km/h). This will allow you to anticipate danger
Always pass other cyclists on the left – never on the right.
When you stop at an intersection, stay in the driver’s field of vision – in front and to the right – while leaving the crosswalk free. When the light turns green, you can safely cross the intersection knowing the driver (who may want to turn) has seen you.

At busy intersections, make L-shaped, or 90˚, turns. First go straight through the intersection and stop at the opposite corner. Then position yourself in the direction you wish to travel, cross the second intersection, and continue on your way.

Be predictable, signal your intentions

In urban areas, both cyclists and drivers must signal their intentions.

In the following four situations, signal your intentions far enough ahead of time to be seen by drivers and other cyclists:

When turning left (in situations where you can turn left directly. In the case of busy intersections, see point 2 on the previous page.)
When turning right (2 possible options).
When slowing down or stopping.
When passing a cyclist or a double-parked car. (First look behind you to be sure the path is clear.)

Montréal’s bicycle paths

Montréal has an excellent network of bicycle paths. Consult the BIXI map to find them. These are compulsory routes for cyclists on some busy streets and are designed to ensure their safety. Of course you can also follow other routes, such as along quiet streets.

The various types of bicycle facilities

Bike paths: on these paths, bikes are separated from motor vehicles by physical barriers, e.g., the Claire-Morisette path downtown.

Bike lanes: signs and road markings indicate that these lanes are reserved exclusively for cyclists. Follow the direction of the chevrons (arrows).

Contraflow bike lanes: on one-way streets, these lanes allow cyclists to travel against the traffic flow. Follow the direction of the chevrons.

Designated roadways: these roads have no corridor reserved for cyclists, but they are marked with signs. In addition, pictograms representing a bike and chevrons are painted on the pavement, indicating the direction to follow. Designated roadways are found on quiet streets leading to bike paths and various points of interest.

Traffic signs

Be familiar with traffic signs to ensure your bike trips are safe and enjoyable.

	Traffic signals for cyclists.
	Indicates you must dismount and walk.
	Indicates a compulsory path for bikes and pedestrians.
	Indicates a temporary detour because of work being done on the bike path.
	Painted on the road, these symbols indicate that a lane is reserved for cyclists.
	Indicates a bike crossing.