Design at the service of public transportation
BIXI, a story of design
Since its inception, BIXI has been at the heart of Montreal design. Created by internationally renowned designer Michel Dallaire, the BIXI bike has become an icon of the urban landscape: its sleek lines, sturdiness and gray color blend harmoniously with the city.
Recognized and awarded worldwide, notably by TIME Magazine, which recently ranked BIXI among the 25 best inventions of the 21st century, this design is now part of Quebec’s heritage.
In a metropolis recognized as a UNESCO City of Design, BIXI embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that drives Montreal. It is a symbol of collective movement and constantly evolving design.
Repositioning BIXI
In 2022, BIXI reached an important turning point. While demand for urban mobility solutions was growing, our bike-sharing service, although very popular, was still perceived as a summer leisure activity.
Over the past 3 years, with the talented Principal studio, we have undergone a major transformation: repositioning our brand to reflect what BIXI has become, namely an essential public service that is active and accessible year-round.
Laying the foundations
Before embarking on our biggest projects, we worked to rebuild a solid and consistent foundation for the BIXI brand. We harmonised our colours, adopted a unique and more inclusive font for better readability, and completely revamped our graphic grid.
This visual consistency, far from being purely aesthetic, has helped clarify our brand identity and make us instantly recognisable to citizens.
Serving users
BIXI and Principal share a philosophy of intelligent and useful design.
We therefore worked together to rethink every touchpoint with you to make the experience smooth, clear and enjoyable for everyone.
Subscription and rental process
We have revised the stickers on station payment kiosks and bikes, clarifying them and adding QR codes to make your bike rental experience easier.
The bixi.com website has also been completely redesigned to make it easier to read and allow you to quickly find the information you are looking for, while respecting the brand image.
Advertising campaigns
Advertisements you see at stations and online have been transformed into engaging campaigns, carefully planned in advance and at a high level to ensure consistency throughout the year, now that the service is available… year-round!
You often ask us who the artist behind our characters is: it’s the talented Mathilde Filippi!
AMI BIXI program
Our reward program for members who help rebalance stations has been reintroduced as AMI BIXI, featuring a pink-themed web page, newsletters and a clear and user-friendly subscription form.
Some of you even thought the program was new!
Carrefours BIXI
In recent years, we have introduced a new concept: Carrefours BIXI.
From simple bicycle maintenance facilities, they have become convivial places where the bright red workspace, uniforms and signage welcome you.
There, you can meet our mechanics, chat and ask them questions about the service.
In a world first, a trailer designed in line with the first BIXI, created in Quebec, has joined the fleet of a bike-sharing service: ours!
BIXI trailers allow you to transport heavier or bulkier items and offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to the car.
Looking ahead
Three years later, BIXI has 600,000 users, more than 13 million trips per year, a presence in 13 cities across Quebec and a service that is now available year-round. More than ever, we are fulfilling our role as an active public transport provider for citizens across Quebec.
Innovation won’t stop here. As a public service, BIXI will continue to rely on design not to look good, but to grow, serve you better and transform your urban experience.
