by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Coinciding with the beginning of the spring/summer season for the city’s bicycle-rental service BIXI yesterday, City Hall introduced 29 new projects that will either develop or upgrade existing bike paths across 33.2 kilometres of Montreal’s cycling network in 2024.

Sophie Mauzerolle, the executive committee member responsible for transportation, framed the expansion of the cycling network as part of the city’s plan to improve road safety for everyone.

“By developing its cycling network, the city is working towards meeting the objectives of Vision Zéro, which aims to eliminate serious and fatal collisions by 2024,” says Mauzerolle.

The new projects include:

• The REV boulevard Henri-Bourassa (a sustainable mobility corridor)
• The REV Viger/Saint-Antoine/Saint-Jacques (two sections)
• The REV Jean-Talon (first phase)
• Maurice-Duplessis Street (first phase)
• Terrebonne Street

BIXI, which launched across 60% of its network yesterday, is adding 1,300 bikes, 32 stations and 736 anchor spots this season. The bikes will continue to be available year-round after attracting 50,000 users over the course of the winter.