My first trip was an ill-fated one to see the Jardin Botanique. I spent more than the allotted 30min Bixi time getting lost on my way to the park. I should mention that riding a Bixi is the equivalent to riding an SUV bike. They are 3 speed, heavy, upright machines. Having been used to my road bike in NYC, I wasn’t prepared for the time difference and the bikeshare is built for short commutes. It begins charging after 30min, 60 min and so on. (Later I learned that it is easy to dock at any station for two minutes and then set off again.) When I arrived at my destination, I discovered a full bike rack which meant, asking for more time and cycling a bit out of my way for the next rack. So much for my first experience but it still beat taking a Metro and bus and I ended up using the system four more times throughout the day without problems.

As with most bikeshares, the majority of stations are concentrated downtown. For my first three days in the city, this wasn’t a problem since I stayed in the center of town. I also got to use the Bixi system as a member which allows you to swipe your key and take a bike right away. I found it easy to head off to the Mile End area of town and then back downtown to the Musée d’Art Contemporain (both of which are fantastic and recommended). I also questioned the need for 3 speeds on the bike until I cycled part way up Mont Royal and over the Jacque Cartier bridge. It was then that I learned it is possible to cross bridges and cycle hills on a three speed dutch bike!

up the hill to Mont Royal, the old hospital

I spent my last two days further out in the city as a paid 24 hr member. This required me to swipe my credit card every time and obtain an unlocking code. Not totally inconvenient, but I did encounter two stations where the computers did not work. I also found more empty bike racks on the outskirts of the city. Even with these issues, I still had the best time cycling everywhere in Montreal. It cost me $12 to get around for the week and I experienced one the great joys in every city, riding fast downhill.

While you’re there check out some of my favorite spots, Le Cagibi, Drawn & Quarterly, Patati Patata (for poutine!) and hike up Mont Royal. The colors are perfect this time of year.

at the top of Mont Royal

Sarah Wigglesworth Architects has been commissioned by developers igloo to create a bespoke Christmas tree for Bermondsey Square, London, SE1. The Bermondsey Square Christmas tree is composed of 35 recycled bike wheels, set on a simple structure, in the recognisable shape of a Christmas Tree. [via Architects Journal h/t @rachelleraehouse for the find!]

Recycle-A-Bicycle has been creating an arsenal of bike art from hand-crafted from bike parts by volunteers for a sale at the event.

Tickets to RAB’s benefit and 15 year birthday start at a $20 donation and include food and drink – not mention that you can meet your favorite cycling blogger, yours truly at the event! You can find the event on Facebook or online at www.recycleabicycle.org.

1963 Bicycle Safety Film entitled “One Got Fat”. A group of monkey-masked kids decide to ride their bikes to the park for a picnic. Along the way, one by one, the kids are knocked out of the ride due to careless or unsafe riding. Narration by Edward Everett Horton of “Fractured Fairytales” (Old Rocky and Bullwinkle) fame.

Bike lanes: In some cities people are so desperate for them they’ll go so far as to mark their own. Here in New York City, it

#1 Make a Bike Camera Stand

Photojojo, has a really great visualization of how to make a camera mount of your handlebars.

[via Photojojo]

Anyone want to get this going for our first trip to Conney Island? [Coming soon!]

#2 Make Your Own Bike Pannier

These commuter bags are incredibly expensive and Instructables gives you instructions to create one for less than $10.

[via Instructables]