Omitting Bixis from my last post, turned out for the best because Earth Day this year, falls on this coming Sunday (April 22, 2012). I found it pretty cool that it is the most celebrated day worldwide. This is the chance to get on board with a billion other peeps, bathe in the brighter days ahead, and keep moving with some greener transport. When was the last time you did three things at once? (Huh guys?)
Skateboarding, rollerblading and most popularly biking are easier than you would anticipate. Often when biking downtown mid-summer, I get there faster than driving and trying to find a parking spot for my car.
My preferred commuter method/activity in the summer is hands-down riding a Bixi. There is something so awesome and summeresque about it … a feeling of “wherever the night takes us” pretty much sums it up. So, spend the $7 (just like you would if you parked) for a Bixi rental (click the image on the side for the subscription/fees).
It’s also an amazing way to show-off Montreal to any visitors (great way to justify spending most of your time drinking and eating). You can visit: Victoria Square and show off the Old Port’s charm, Mount Royal to enjoy the chillin’ movement, and even swing by Schwartz’s if you are into that kind-of-thing (warning: you may encounter problems getting back on the bike after an indulgence like that).
Now, for the best part: if you are wasted, get offered a lift, or even get lucky… no need to go searching for your bike the next morning.
Tips about the Bixi program:
• Speed matters. You only get charged extra fees if you keep the Bixi for longer than 30 minutes (45 minutes for subscription holders) and the charges get incrementally larger as time passes so keep pace.
• If you do not have a pass, you have to use the same credit card to avoid being charged twice for the same rental. Each time you do, you get a random code to unlock the bike.
• There are strict fees for losing a Bixi, so save the ‘wasted’ part for after docking the bike. (Look for the green light. Duh.)
• Download the free ‘Biximo’ app that makes finding a bike or dock a breeze.
• As well, you may want to rock ‘n’ roll with some hand sanitizer and a strategic outfit. If you need more advice than: wear moderately comfy shoes or even flops and bottoms/a dress that can cover your special place… then you are on your own.
• If you are under 5ft tall, check that you can actually fit on the Bixi before renting it. I have witnessed someone who could not make it and it was kinda amazing.
Active transport can be part of switching up your regime, and this time you don’t have to skip the night out. Turns out you can have your cake, and eat it too… so long as you keep on moving!
Kimberly Marx
Marketing Director for Montreal’s leading health and wellness facility: Victoria Park.
Omitting Bixis from my last post, turned out for the best because Earth Day this year, falls on this coming Sunday (April 22, 2012). I found it pretty cool that it is the most celebrated day worldwide. This is the chance to get on board with a billion other peeps, bathe in the brighter days ahead, and keep moving with some greener transport. When was the last time you did three things at once? (Huh guys?)
Skateboarding, rollerblading and most popularly biking are easier than you would anticipate. Often when biking downtown mid-summer, I get there faster than driving and trying to find a parking spot for my car.
My preferred commuter method/activity in the summer is hands-down riding a Bixi. There is something so awesome and summeresque about it ... a feeling of “wherever the night takes us” pretty much sums it up. So, spend the $7 (just like you would if you parked) for a Bixi rental (click the image on the side for the subscription/fees).
It’s also an amazing way to show-off Montreal to any visitors (great way to justify spending most of your time drinking and eating). You can visit: Victoria Square and show off the Old Port’s charm, Mount Royal to enjoy the chillin’ movement, and even swing by Schwartz's if you are into that kind-of-thing (warning: you may encounter problems getting back on the bike after an indulgence like that).
Now, for the best part: if you are wasted, get offered a lift, or even get lucky… no need to go searching for your bike the next morning.
Tips about the Bixi program:
• Speed matters. You only get charged extra fees if you keep the Bixi for longer than 30 minutes (45 minutes for subscription holders) and the charges get incrementally larger as time passes so keep pace.
• If you do not have a pass, you have to use the same credit card to avoid being charged twice for the same rental. Each time you do, you get a random code to unlock the bike.
• There are strict fees for losing a Bixi, so save the ‘wasted’ part for after docking the bike. (Look for the green light. Duh.)
• Download the free ‘Biximo’ app that makes finding a bike or dock a breeze.
• As well, you may want to rock 'n' roll with some hand sanitizer and a strategic outfit. If you need more advice than: wear moderately comfy shoes or even flops and bottoms/a dress that can cover your special place… then you are on your own.
• If you are under 5ft tall, check that you can actually fit on the Bixi before renting it. I have witnessed someone who could not make it and it was kinda amazing.
Active transport can be part of switching up your regime, and this time you don’t have to skip the night out. Turns out you can have your cake, and eat it too… so long as you keep on moving!
Kimberly Marx
Marketing Director for Montreal’s leading health and wellness facility: Victoria Park.
