Bixi Review, 2014

Another season of BIXI, Montreal's public bike system, has come and gone. This is the second year I've used BIXI, and I renewed my pass in July so I'm signed up for next year as well.

Before I jump into my review, let's look at the stats from my last year of BIXI-ing:

During the 214 days in between April 15 and November 15, I used a BIXI 294 times! Some days I definitely didn't use a BIXI at all, but other days I would use it for three or four different trips. Normally, I would have walked those distances or had to take the metro or bus. Overall, I definitely saved money through using BIXI as an alternative to Montreal's other public transit options. My average usage time has been increased from last year (unfortunately, I don't have those stats saved, but I can see my cumulative stats). I've traveled a total of 868.2 km by bike, which is more than Toronto to Quebec City or Banff to Saskatoon. Of course, this distance was in short stints of two or three kilometres on average, but it demonstrates how biking adds up even for short trips in urban environments. I don't really have a conception of how much 61 litres of gas is, but I'm definitely glad that

As soon as April arrived, I was getting antsy for BIXI stations to start appearing. My first bike ride of the season was great, despite the inevitable spring meltoff sending spray everywhere.

I've used BIXI a lot more this year than last year, partly due to being in Montreal the whole summer as opposed to just a month, but also largely due to my expanding Montreal horizons. I moved out of the McGill ghetto to the Plateau, I started biking out to visit my boyfriend in Montreal Ouest (meaning I used the westernmost BIXI station, all the way by the Loyola campus, a few times a week - can we get just one more a little farther, BIXI?), and I just explored the city more, going to cafes and parks and bars that weren't just a couple minutes from campus.

Since BIXI's end of season reports have been released, they've been confirmed to continue until at least 2019, despite their bankruptcy, the City of Montreal bailout, and decreased ridership numbers compared to last year. Huzzah!

I've noticed less BIXI advertising, but, more significantly, far more BIXIs in bad condition. Compared to last year, I've taken out noticeably more BIXIs with broken down gears or flat tires. This experience is anecdotal, of course, but its been corroborated by other BIXI users I've talked to.

Additionally, I have a couple of friends who had trouble dealing with BIXI at all. They purchased their membership and then had to wait weeks, or even months, to get their keys, leading at least a couple to demand a refund and give up on the program. When the BIXI survey asked if a location to pick up keys would be helpful, I agreed and then commented as well - delays like that quickly take the joy and sustainability out of a program.

Even though I'm going to be buying a bike (45 minute BIXI rides are not fun when you're trying to get somewhere quickly), I'm still going to use BIXI regularly and I'm still a believer in the program. It's a great entry for people who are visiting (even though I dislike the assumption that no real Montrealer would ever use a BIXI), can't afford to buy a bike, or just don't want to worry about Montreal's rampant bike theft. Additionally, the convenience of BIXIs (usually) can't be beat, even if stations are sometimes empty or full.

Of course, I also have to note that BIXIs aren't for everyone - I'm a dedicated and thrifty biker, meaning if I have to bike twenty minutes in the rain, I will, rather than waiting for the bus or getting on the metro. For others I know who have BIXI, it's only an alternative in perfect conditions - which doesn't often include Montreal traffic, though I have to note that BIXIs heaviness and slowness make them more noticeable.

BIXI could do better, and hopefully now that they're not on probation anymore they can improve their customer service, maintenance of the bikes, and service area. A good program right now, but it has the potential to be markedly better.