How a Massive Bike Tour Inspired Montreal to Become a Bike-Friendly City

Especially in the warmer months, Montreal is simply alive with street life and, of course, lots of bicycling. Its car-free spaces are inviting to everyone, and there’s so much art and interactive installations in public space.

In 2001 and again in 2003, I got to ride the Tour de l’Île in Montreal while on group trips with NYC’s Five Borough Bike Club. Both times were incredibly exciting, not only because of the rides, but because I could see and use wonderful, safe bike infrastructure. It helped me realize what could be possible in NYC one day.

I was invited by Vélo Québec to participate in this year’s Tour de l’Île (as well as the Tour la Nuit), and I still think it’s the best group ride in the world.

Riding this year, I was accompanied by many advocates and journalists from other cities. I learned how the ride’s formation in 1985 helped inspire much of the city’s bike infrastructure, and how it has kept pressure on the government to continue building more.  There are cyclists everywhere in Montreal: One report puts the bike-to-work mode share in the Le Plateau – Mont Royal neighborhood at about 18 percent.

So just go to Montreal. And go often. Don’t bring a bike — they have Bixi. That’s all you’ll need. If this video isn’t enough of an endorsement, how about this: In all my riding over five visits, I’ve only ever seen one car parked in a bike lane.