Goodbye Snow, Hello Bicycle
The snow was piled sky high this winter and it seemed as though it would never melt. But winter is long gone and the city has a newfound energy that screams: I don't have to wear boots! I can feel my fingertips! My car is not stuck in a snow bank! The streets are bustling with people and everyone is lingering outside as long as they possibly can. Also uplifting is seeing Montrealers happily riding their bikes again, although for some bold individuals this is a year-round activity. For those who love to ride, taking a bike out of storage after a long winter is like reacquainting with an old friend you've missed dearly.
Montreal is a bike-friendly city with a variety of paths winding throughout the island. Exploring Montreal and its surroundings on bike is not only a great way to stay in shape, but also allows you to see the city in a whole new light. The Lachine Canal route is one of the most popular ones, beginning in the Old Port and extending almost 15 km to Lachine, taking you through historic industrial sites, beautiful green spaces where you can stop for a picnic and stunning water views. If you're unable to travel with your bike, you can borrow one from a rental shop located in the Old Port.
The city has planned to make Montreal even more accessible to cyclists by adding 400 kilometers of new bike paths and five times the amount of bike racks. Self-service bike rental stations will also be implemented in the near future, which will be practical for locals and tourists alike. With rising parking costs, heavy traffic, unwaveringly high gas prices, and of course the concern for the environment, this will be a much needed tune-up.