March 15, 2011 – From May 29 to June 5, bicycle bells will ring out for the annual Montréal Bike Fest, the city’s huge mobile party where cyclists swarm the streets. If you love this people-powered mode of transportation as much as bicycle-crazy Montrealers do, then you won’t want to miss this, the highlight of the city’s cycling calendar.
With three main events, as many as 50,000 people take part every year! On May 29, around 3,500 cyclists are expected in the Metropolitan Challenge 2011 starting at Lac des Deux-Montagnes. Composed of 3 separate tours throughout the season, participants travel more than 100 kilometres over a variety of landscapes leading to Montréal.
On Friday, June 3, over 15,000 night riders will roll along 20 kilometres of city streets in a carnival-like atmosphere typical of Montréal’s joie de vivre at the Tour la Nuit. As in years past, you’ll see splashes of colour and light among the throng, as the more extroverted get creative.
The Bike Fest ends with a huge party on Sunday, June 5, when more than 30,000 cyclists take over the city’s streets for the 27th Tour de l’île. Roadways are closed for this major family event that draws people from all walks – or should we say “rides” – of life. No matter what the weather holds in store, nothing dampens Montrealers’ spirits when it comes to their beloved party on wheels.
Throughout the week, you’ll hear a lot about Operation Bike-to-Work, an annual campaign encouraging Montrealers to commute by bicycle. You’ll also want to try out our Bixi bikes when visiting Montréal!
