June 18, 2009 - Summertime is riding time in Montréal, as everyone happily takes to the streets on hybrids, 10-speed, mountain, hand-powered and recumbent bikes, not to mention tandems and unicycles. With 450 km of paths, an all-new public bike system (BIXI) plus some brand new paths leading right downtown, Montréal makes it easy to get back on the saddle. The die-hard (and braveheart), in fact, never ditch their bikes and ride right through winter.
But you don't have to be a daredevil to be a part of this city's cycling scene. Montréal is a bonafide bike town, and the proof is in our pedal power. In fact, some of North America's major cycling events and activities take place on Montréal's streets. This year, the Montréal Bike Fest celebrated its 25th anniversary—that's a quarter of a century of bike-loving fun—with a send-off from none other than the legendary Cirque du Soleil.
Each May, women's cycling elite push their legs to the limit during the grueling Montreal World Cup, as spectators cheer them on. Until September 7, the Château Ramezay will feature The Grand Bike Tour exhibition, which gives visitors an inside peek into all facets of the bike, from the velocipede to the high wheel and more
A number of bike shops also offer guided bike tours. Check out Montréal on Wheels and My Bicyclette for some great two-wheeled city tours.
BIXI
The Grand Bike Tour
Montréal on Wheels
My Bicyclette
