Montréal
North America’s cycling capital pairs a century of bike culture with modern, four‑season design: 1,083 km of bikeways, the REV express network, and BIXI’s huge docked fleet keep Montréal rolling despite hills and winter.
Stolen Bikes in Montréal
Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Montréal — current risk: Very High; 3,147 thefts reported in 2023 (SPVM). Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Montréal to alert the community.
At a glance
Daily riders
2.8% utilitarian mode share (2020); 57% ride annually
Dedicated paths
1,083 km total; 251 km protected; REV 191 km planned
Bike sharing stations
1000
Theft risk
Very High; 3,147 thefts reported in 2023 (SPVM)
Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.
Quick map
Open Montréal on the map
Why it’s special
REV (Réseau Express Vélo): four‑season, protected “bike highways”.
1,083 km citywide network; 251 km physically protected links.
BIXI: 11,000+ bikes (3,000+ e‑bikes) across ~1,000 stations.
Winter maintenance on key routes keeps cycling year‑round.
Vélorues prioritize cyclists over cars on shared streets.
Lachine Canal path and Parc Jean‑Drapeau/Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve.
Festival Go vélo Montréal (Tour de l’Île) energizes bike culture.
Safety tips
Use lights at night: white front, red rear; keep required reflectors.
Ride predictably; keep right; pass on the left; single file in groups.
No earphones/headphones or handheld phone while riding.
Yield to pedestrians at crossings and intersections.
In winter, consider studded tires and extend stopping distances.
Ride like a local
Rules that matter
- Stop at red lights and stop signs; proceed on green or permitted pedestrian signal.
- Required equipment: white front and red rear reflectors at all times; lights at night/low visibility.
- Ride with traffic near the right‑hand edge when safe; single file in groups (max 15 riders).
- No earbuds/headphones over one or both ears; no handheld phone use.
- Sidewalk riding is prohibited unless signed or in necessity; walk bike where required.
Typical fines (EUR)
Unwritten etiquette
- Keep right and hold a steady line; faster riders pass on the left.
- Use your bell well before passing; communicate clearly.
- On wide/REV paths, keep passing lanes clear; avoid blocking.
- Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks; make eye contact at junctions.
Security & parking
Parking like a pro
- Lock to purpose‑built racks; do not use trees, street furniture, or temporary fencing.
- Use two high‑quality locks; capture frame and a wheel to a fixed anchor.
- Choose bright, busy locations; prefer indoor options for long stays/overnight.
Theft & lock strategy
- Use a heavy U‑lock + secondary cable/chain; keep locks off the ground.
- Register with 529 Garage (SPVM‑supported) including serial and photos.
- If stolen: trigger a 529 alert, file SPVM online report, and share details with police.
- Monitor marketplaces (Kijiji/FB); forward suspected listings to SPVM—do not confront sellers.
Exo Bikezone – Vaudreuil Station (Secure Parking)
Enclosed, OPUS‑card‑access Bikezone with 47 spaces (two‑tier racks), 23‑hour access, and repair station—free for OPUS cardholders; a model for regional bike‑and‑ride.
Learn more on the city site
Rent a bike
Epic day trips
Lachine Canal National Historic Site • 14.5 km (one‑way)
Flat, car‑free waterfront path from Old Port to Lac Saint‑Louis—industrial heritage meets green space.
Parc Jean‑Drapeau & Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve • ≈25 km of paths (track 4.36 km)
Island park loops with skyline views; ride the F1 circuit when open to the public.
La Route des Champs • ≈40 km (Chambly ↔ Granby)
Countryside ride just outside the city; part of the Route Verte network.
Le P'tit Train du Nord • Up to 234 km (multi‑day)
Premier Laurentians rail trail; segment for a long day ride or tour for several days.
What’s next
REV expansion (Vision Vélo 2023–2027)
Builds a 191 km express, protected, four‑season network targeting 15% utilitarian trips by 2027.
Winter priority routes
Enhanced snow/ice operations to keep key corridors functional all season.
Vélorues rollout
Shared streets that prioritize cyclists, calming traffic and linking neighborhoods.
Your perfect day
Old Port start + bike pickup
Rent near the Old Port; fuel up at a café and roll into cobblestone Old Montréal.
Lachine Canal westbound
Cruise the car‑free canal path toward Atwater Market for a scenic, relaxed ride.
Atwater Market lunch
Park and assemble lunch from local vendors; people‑watch on the canal.
Downtown → Plateau via Atwater/Peel
Climb into the core and toward Parc La Fontaine; explore Plateau streets.
REV Rue Saint‑Denis southbound
Return on Montréal’s showcase express facility—protected, wide, and smooth.
Old Port sunset
Return the bike and unwind along the Saint Lawrence waterfront.
Sources
Vision Vélo 2023–2027 / REV
montreal.ca
BIXI Montréal
bixi.com
SPVM – Bicycle theft data (2023)
spvm.qc.ca
Parc Jean‑Drapeau – Cycling
parcjeandrapeau.com
Route Verte / Velo Quebec
routeverte.com
UCI Bike City label (2023)
ucibikecity.org
Live here or visiting? List your bike to help the community
Join thousands protecting each other from theft. Add your bike now and get instant alerts if it goes missing.
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Frequently asked questions
Can tourists use BIXI?
Yes. Buy a one‑way pass via app or station with a credit card. A $100 CAD hold applies per bike; pricing uses unlock + per‑minute rates (higher for e‑bikes).
Where should I park overnight?
Prefer indoor/secured parking at accommodations or supervised facilities; outdoors, use two locks to a fixed rack in a bright, busy area.
What are typical fines?
Common examples are ≈€55–€68 for red lights/stop signs, no lights at night, phone/headphones use, failing to signal, or prohibited sidewalk riding.
Is winter cycling realistic?
Yes. Key routes are plowed and treated; many riders use studded tires and adapt speed and braking to conditions.
How do I report a stolen bike?
Mark it stolen in 529 Garage, then file an SPVM online report and share marketplace findings with police—do not confront sellers.