Q&A with BIXI
This October, NABSA will convene its annual conference in Montreal, Quebec. The NABSA Annual Conference is the leading global venue for shared micromobility and transportation leaders, practitioners, operators, and equipment and service providers to tackle important issues facing the industry.
We caught up with Pierre-Luc Marier, Director of Integrated Marketing, Communication, and Public Affairs at BIXI, to talk about the conference, shared micromobility, and more! Here are some of his thoughts:
Q: What is the significance of the conference being hosted in Montreal?
A: The significance of the conference being hosted in Montreal lies in the city’s leadership and deep-rooted culture around bike-sharing. As home to one of the largest and most active bike-share systems in North America, where each bike is used more than eight times a day, Montreal stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when active transportation is embraced at scale. BIXI isn’t just a service, it’s a movement that has helped shape the city’s bike lane network and foster a strong, engaged community of riders. Hosting the conference here allows participants to experience firsthand how bike-sharing can transform urban mobility.
Q: What does hosting the conference mean for BIXI, and why did you want to host?
A: Hosting the conference is a proud and meaningful moment for BIXI. It’s an opportunity to unite with other leaders in the field, reaffirm that cycling is public transportation, and strengthen the ties within our global community. We wanted to host to create a space where we can learn from each other, share our expertise, and continue advancing bike-sharing as a powerful, collective movement for more sustainable and connected cities.
Q: What’s your favorite experience from a past conference?
A: One of our favorite experiences from past conferences was those informal moments: sharing a beer after a full day of sessions and sparking conversations that led to meaningful, lasting connections. It’s in those relaxed settings that some of the best ideas emerge, helping us improve the industry and strengthen the movement for self-service bike sharing together.
Q: What are you most excited about for the 2025 conference?
A: For the 2025 conference, what excites us most is welcoming you to the heart of our operations: the BIXI warehouse. It’s a unique opportunity to open our doors and create a space for genuine, hands-on exchange. We want to share our collective expertise, tell our journey, and dive into open conversations about what’s working, what’s challenging, and how we can all grow together.
Q: What do you want people to experience in the mobile workshops?
A: In the mobile workshops, we want people to truly feel how Montreal’s urban fabric comes to life on two wheels. It’s a chance to experience the city’s thoughtful urbanism and extensive bike lane network, while weaving through vibrant street art, historic neighbourhoods like Old Montréal, and stunning waterfront views. More than just a ride, it’s an exploration of how mobility, culture, nature, and history cohabitate seamlessly in the city’s public space.
Q: If there’s one place people should see while they’re in Montreal, where should they go?
A: If there’s one place you should absolutely see while you’re in Montreal, it’s Mont-Royal, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a stunning panorama of the entire city. Whether you choose to bike up, walk the paths, or take the stairs, getting there is part of the experience and it’s a perfect reflection of how nature and urban life beautifully coexist in Montreal.
Q: What’s a recently completed project that you’re excited to share with conference attendees?
A: We’re especially excited to share two recent projects with you during the conference. First, our Carrefours BIXI, new mobility hubs designed to better connect and improve the user experience by accelerating the return to the bikes to users. And second, the BIXI Trailer (Remorque), the very first new product developed by BIXI since our iconic bike launched in 2009. You’ll get the chance to see it up close and discover how these innovations are shaping the future of bike sharing in Montréal.
Q: Why do you value your NABSA membership?
A: We value our NABSA membership because it means being part of a strong, collaborative network where everyone has a voice. It’s about contributing to something bigger than ourselves and sharing what we’ve learned, but also gaining insight and inspiration from others. It’s a space where we give and receive, helping to move the entire bike-share industry forward together.
For more information and to register for the conference, go to nabsa.net/2025conference.