Today, we are discussing a topic that is literally transforming the fabric of our neighborhoods and the appeal of our properties: the rapid expansion of BIXI and Montreal's cycling network.

The West Island Connects to Sustainable Mobility 

Active mobility is no longer the exclusive domain of central neighborhoods. BIXI recently announced the expansion of its bike-sharing network to Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) and Montreal West.

In DDO, the company has deployed seven stations in high-traffic areas, offering a fleet of 64 bikes, evenly divided between 32 electric-assist models and 32 regular bikes.

In Montreal West, three new stations extend the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce cycling axis to the local train station, which now has two BIXI stations instead of one.

As Christian Vermette, general manager of BIXI Montreal, pointed out: "This expansion [...] allows us to strengthen the network's connectivity and offer residents more options for their daily commutes. It reflects the growing demand for sustainable and flexible mobility solutions."

This rollout follows another major breakthrough in the western part of the island last July, when six stations and 66 bikes were inaugurated in Dorval.

A Metropolitan-Scale Network 

Heading into the 2025/2026 season, the BIXI network has reached colossal proportions. It spans Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil, and now operates year-round. We are talking about an infrastructure comprising nearly 1,000 stations and over 12,600 bikes, including approximately 2,600 electric models.

The Impact on Residential Real Estate As housing professionals, we know that location is the number one criterion. However, proximity to cycling infrastructure has become a major selling point.

Currently, Montreal's cycling network extends over 1,065 kilometers, 729 kilometers of which (including the famous Réseau Express Vélo - REV) are accessible twelve months a year.

The impact on real estate is direct: across the metropolitan area, two-thirds of homes are located within 300 meters of a bike path, and half are within 200 meters. For buyers and tenants, this immediate accessibility translates to a higher quality of life, reducing dependence on cars and increasing the appeal of properties.

Global Recognition and Urban Resilience

The BIXI revolution, which began in 2009, now extends far beyond our borders. The prestigious TIME magazine recently ranked the Montreal system among the top 25 best inventions since 2000.

 It is the culmination of a vision that has successfully met modern challenges: reducing congestion, encouraging an active lifestyle, and offering sustainable alternatives.

This recognition comes just as BIXI has shattered historic ridership records. This was particularly evident during the strike by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

Faced with subway and bus service interruptions, tens of thousands of Montrealers turned to BIXI. The system proved that it is not merely a recreational tool, but a resilient and essential pillar of the city's transit infrastructure.

Economic, Budgetary, and Social Impacts BIXI's impact goes far beyond bike paths:

• Economy and Budget: With an annual budget of several million dollars (funded by subscriptions, advertising revenue, and municipal subsidies), BIXI is an economic engine. It creates local jobs in logistics, maintenance, and network management, while facilitating access to local businesses.

• Public Health and Environment: Fewer cars mean better air quality and a significant reduction in congestion. Promoting physical activity directly contributes to citizens' well-being.

• Social Equity: By offering an affordable transit option accessible 24/7, BIXI democratizes mobility across a multitude of neighborhoods, complementing other modes of public transportation.

Towards the City of Tomorrow The year 2025 truly marks a turning point. BIXI's local innovation has global reach, and active mobility has become a fundamental criterion in enhancing the value of our neighborhoods. It is a point of Montreal pride that continues to pedal towards a greener, more connected urban future that is extremely attractive to the residential market.

To go further and discover the resources in your neighborhood: Check out the thematic pages on local parks and bike paths:

EN: Parks and bike paths | WikiResidence