85% of users surveyed were satisfied with the measures implemented by BIXI to make their travel easier during the Championships
MONTREAL, Oct. 7, 2026 /CNW/ -- The 2026 UCI Road World Championships have now come to a close, and BIXI has given a very positive assessment of the enhancements implemented to meet the increased demand throughout the event.
From September 20th to the 27th, more than half a million trips were made on the network, confirming the role of bike-sharing as a mobility solution during major events in Montreal.
During the event, nearly 1,000 athletes and 550,000 spectators flocked to the streets of Montreal. While the competition routes led to significant traffic changes, Montrealers and visitors were able to rely on BIXI to continue getting around the city.
Operations Tailored to Exceptional Demand
In preparation for the Championships, BIXI had implemented a major initiative to enhance its service and make travel easier: more bikes in several key areas, 120 stations near the race routes, including 17 drop-off stations with valet service, three new BIXI Hubs, and a festive presence in the fan zone. These measures, combined with high demand during the event, led to an increase in usage at several strategic locations enhanced by BIXI.
Throughout the Championships, the teams monitored changes in ridership to tailor their operations to user patterns and the schedule of the various events. In total, more than 10,000 bikes began or ended their trips with the help of a bike valet at drop-off stations, an 85% increase compared to the seasonal average. These efforts helped ensure the availability of bikes and docking stations in the busiest areas.
Heavy Demand Near The Race Courses
The impact of the Championships was particularly noticeable near the courses and main competition locations. In particular, the Mackay/de Maisonneuve, des Pins/Hutchisson, and University/Milton stations saw their ridership skyrocket. Located near the competition venues, these stations recorded increases of up to 84% in the number of transactions compared to their usual levels.
A survey of users who benefited from the incentive measures implemented by BIXI revealed an 85% satisfaction rate. The availability of bikes and docks, as well as the location of drop-off stations, are among the main factors contributing to satisfaction. For the users surveyed, the ability to get around more easily and quickly was the main reason for choosing BIXI during this period.
"These Championships presented a significant challenge for our operations, but also an opportunity to demonstrate BIXI's ability to support the public and meet transportation needs during an event of this magnitude. This success is also a testament to our teams, who worked tirelessly throughout the Championships. They adapted operations on a daily basis based on ridership and on-the-ground conditions to ensure a smooth service. I'd like to thank them, as well as our users, for their cooperation and trust throughout the event," said Christian Vermette, Executive Director of BIXI Montréal.
The BIXI app also played a central role in trip planning. It allowed users to locate stations, check the availability of bikes and docking stations in real time, and easily identify drop-off stations with valet service thanks to a dedicated icon. BIXI also posted daily maps on its website showing service enhancements based on the routes of the various events.
A Positive Outcome Beyond High Traffic
Beyond the observed ridership, BIXI reports positively on its role in transportation during the Championships. The event also served as a reminder of how bike-sharing contributes to making major sporting events more sustainable by offering residents and visitors an active transportation option with a low environmental footprint.
For BIXI, the experience of the Championships has demonstrated, once again, the growing role of active and sustainable mobility in people's travel habits and its ability to adapt quickly to significant fluctuations in demand.
BIXI would like to thank its teams, partners, organizers, and everyone who contributed to the success of this major event. Finally, BIXI congratulates all the athletes for their participation and performances, with a special mention to the winners of their respective events.
About BIXI
BIXI Montréal is a non-profit organization managing bikes sharing services in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Westmount, Mont-Royal, Montréal-Est, Dorval, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Montréal West, Boucherville, Sainte-Julie, Saint-Lambert, Chambly, Terrebonne, Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Thérèse, Boisbriand et Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac. In 2026, the BIXI network includes more than 13,000 bicycles, including 3,500 electric bikes, at 1,180 stations in 20 cities. Montreal has the largest fleet of electric bikes in Canada, and one of the largest in North America.
SOURCE BIXI Montréal
Infos: BIXI Montréal, [email protected]
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