HAVE SOLAR-POWERED SELF-SERVICE BIKE STATIONS
After having observed that the number of cars being used is constantly increasing, the city of Montréal decided to look for alternative transportation solutions. One of the most spectacular solutions came with BIXI, a self-service bike system that allows users to swap their cars for bikes instead. The system, which has been implemented in a few major capitals around the world, had to be adapted to the requirements and challenges of Québec’s four seasons. After having travelled the globe to study the largest systems currently in use, a multidisciplinary team made up of experts from Montréal and the Saguenay region managed—within only 18 months—to develop the very first fourth generation system. Cutting-edge technology makes it the most flexible and most environmentally-friendly system in the world. BIXI is the first system to be powered by solar energy, thus avoiding the emission of greenhouse gases and the use of non-renewable energy sources. 400 stations and 5,000 bikes now help reduce automobile traffic in Montréal, while at the same time blending seamlessly into the urban landscape.
