As if chilly November in Montreal isn’t sad enough, our beloved Bixi bikes will be put away at the end of this month for the winter. It hardly seems possible that a whole season of Bixi has come and gone – it seems like yesterday that we were biking around town through summer humidity in micro-shorts.

Montrealers love Bixi: in October, the Bixi system in Montreal reached its one millionth rider, and Bixi has won awards including gold at the Canadian Public Sector Leadership Awards, and placed 19th on Time magazine’s list of the best inventions of 2008. Bixi bikes are one of the cheapest ways to get around the city, but also a major stride in Montreal’s sustainability efforts. Unfortunately, the system isn’t designed to go year-round in Montreal’s snowy, slushy streets.

Bixi bikes will only be available until November 30th, but don’t worry, they’ll be back in May. Hold on to your Bixi key because it’s still good for the 2010 season! Bye for now, Bixi.