THE STM AND MONTRÉAL BIKE FEST GO WELL TOGETHER!

Press release

Montréal, April 3, 2012 –  For 28 years now, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has joined the Bike Fest and encouraged people to register for the different events. Such a partnership is a given: the STM naturally wants to expand public transit, but also thinks it must do more and promote the use of active modes of transportation, as it believes this new approach offers a solution that could see a larger number of motorists occasionally leaving their car behind.

« Getting around the city quickly and efficiently, having greater freedom of movement, reducing our ecological footprint and spending less while investing in the local economy… This is what people can do with the multi-modal approach or transportation cocktail the STM has been promoting. Firmly committed to sustainability, this novel environmental program offers a sustainable, economic and efficient solution », stated Michel Labrecque, STM board chairman, from the outset.

One of the STM’s goals is to promote the transportation cocktail and to make those means of transportation that offer an alternative to solo car use more easily accessible so that active forms of transportation become a conscious choice. Its partnership with Vélo-Québec, as part of the Montréal Bike Fest, is a good way to reach that goal as this long-standing partner provides another way of getting around the city.

Mr. Labrecque also wanted to remind the public that « because bicycles are without a doubt an integral part of the transportation cocktail, last summer, the STM took another step to improve bicycle use by initiating a project for bike racks on two bus routes, the 140 – Fleury and 180 – Salaberry. As the overall results of the pilot project were positive, it will be repeated this spring, with the addition of a third bus route, the 146 – Christophe-Colomb ». The chairman took the opportunity to mention that the bus routes were chosen together with Vélo-Québec officials, mainly because they intersect heavily-used bicycle paths.

The STM will be on location at the departure and finish lines of the Tour de l’Ile, while mascots Métro and Bus provide entertainment throughout the day. Visitors can show up at the STM stand and try their luck at winning a monthly, weekly or return trip fare card. The STM hopes that many people will take part in the Tour de l’Ile and stop by to meet with transit representatives on hand.

During the Tour la Nuit and Tour de l’Île cycling events, the STM will make travel easier for passengers with bicycles by making the métro network accessible from a number of different stations. For the Tour la nuit held Friday, June 1, and the Tour de l’Île taking place Sunday, June 3, some fifteen stations will be open, and the front cars will be reserved for a maximum of 16 bicycles. Complete details will be communicated to participants in the event kit they receive from Vélo-Québec. They will also be available on the STM’s web site in the days preceding the Montréal Bike Fest.

–  30 –