Bixi, Montreal's Bike sharing program was an excellent way to easily travel throughout Montreal. But watch out for the security deposit that stays on your credit card until 10 days after your first rental.
Bixi allows subscribers (or tourists) to enter a credit card to "check-out" a bike -- in 30 minutes increments during a 24 hour period. That is you could check out a bike, bike 30 minutes to the next station-- check-in your bike, wait 2 minutes then check out another bike. You can do this it seems an unlimited number of times in a 24 hr period. JUST DON'T EXCEED the 30 min limit. As of 6/2010 its $5 Canadian for a 30 min rental.
There is a large number of these Bixi Stations scattered around several locations (and many near Metro or Hotels) so finding one was never difficult.
The bikes are heavy solid bikes with a cute little bell and a little basket in the front, the seats are adjustable and there are 3 "speeds". There are even pedal-powered front and rear lights for nighttime biking.
All in all a great program. HOWEVER, there will place a $250 Security deposit on your card for each rental. This is a charge that will stay on your card for 10 DAYS! And in our case cause our credit card to lock out our card during our recent trip. It was not made clear at the check-out kiosk that this charge would appear on your credit card.
It is only because of that fault (and hassle with the credit card company) that Bixi doesn't get a perfect score for being a such a unique and fun way to bike in Montreal.