In Montreal, the city extended its state of emergency to April 18th and Bixi season kicks off today.
The Bixi’s give people an alternative to public transit, so it has been deeming an essential service. And for the moment it comes with free subscriptions for public health workers. They should, however, only be used for essential trips and while Bixi has new protocols for disinfecting and cleaning the bikes, terminals and docks; you should definitely wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after using a Bixi bike.
When it comes to Bixis, hygiene is the primary focuses. To keep users safe, Bixi Bike riders are asked to follow these new recommendations:
- When you rent your bike always keep cleaning wipes or a disinfection solution with you to clean the surfaces. (Handles and terminal).
- Avoid touching your face.
- Keep a distance of 2 metres from other Biki users
- AND don't forget to wash your hands 20 seconds after each Bixi use!
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has been getting a lot of question concerning the 2 meter rule. How will it work at hair salons, on sidewalks, at the bank, in public transport … etc? Plante’s answer is every sector is very different and they will have to come up with different safety measures for each one. She also suggests companies start rethinking their work schedules to avoid clogging up public transport and even out the rush hour.
"The last thing I want to do is cut services to citizens. Montreal is going to need a good dose of love. "
Valérie Plante is also very aware of the social and economy impact of cancelling all the festivals and major cultural events. The city will do what it can to "honor" the financial commitments of its municipal administration. The Mayor is also trying to spread a little hope; her team is considering the idea of a "big event" to "celebrate" the revival of Greater Montreal. "It won't be for tomorrow, that's clear. It will be much later. But we want a big event. More than ever, we want to make Montreal shine. "
Prime Minister François Legault extended the list of essential services on Monday. READ MORE