August 3, 2009 (Montreal, QC) – The popular new BIXI rental bikes will be used for a celebrity challenge just prior to this Tuesday’s senior men’s Mardis Cyclistes Saputo race on August 4. Among those in the start line will be Jennifer Heil, a gold medalist in acrobatic skiing, Kathy Tremblay a triathlete and Olympic athlete, Lachine Mayor Claude Dauphin and Pedal’s own, John Symon.

The race will involve two laps of 1.61km around LaSalle Park in Lachine starting at 6:30 pm. The senior men’s 50km Pro-Elite Saputo Cup race will then start there as usual at 7 pm. The 10-stage series (Saputo Cup, the 16km minime Hop & Go Cup the 24km Lait’s Go cadet Cup and Shape cadet Cup races) will see its 2009 grand finale on Tuesday, August 11.

BIXI, launched with much fanfare this year, cost $2,000 each and are made by made by Canadian-based Devinci Cycles and designed by Michel Dallaire. The rental bicycles are designed for practicality, safety, and durability, but not speed. The BIXI, website www.bixi.com lists the bikes as being equipped with:

– Attractive and practical carrying rack with elastic cord (8 kg capacity)
– Front and back active lighting on at all times
– Reflectors on wheels
– Easy-to-use three speeds with chain tightener to lower risk of chain derailing
– Tires made for the urban jungle
– Comfortable seat with standardized positioning heights, easily adjustable to the correct height for each trip
– Low centre of gravity for greater stability
– Internal front and rear brakes for greater safety
– Chain protector integrated into bike structure to protect rider’s clothing
– Innovative anti-theft system

BIXIS are also equipped with an automatic anti-theft device that engages the brakes if the bike is not returned after being rented. The rental bikes are accessible on a self-serve basis 24 hours a day from April until November. The BIXI program will cost Montreal some $15 million, but is expected to be a money-maker. Montreal also hopes to sell its patented BIXI program to other cities.

TIME Magazine rated the BIXI as the 19th best invention of 2008 – for more info click here