Bicycle-sharing service to launch in Toronto

A curbside bicycle service being offered in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa this summer will provide a breath of fresh air for tourists.The BIXI bicycle sharing program will allow visitors to take in the sights, get some exercise and save money by leaving their gas-guzzlers in the hotel parking lot. (Public Bike System Company / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

A new bicycle-sharing serviced called BIXI Toronto will launch in the downtown core on May 3.

The program is similar to auto-share programs, where drivers can rent vehicles for a set period of time.

BIXI Toronto members will be able to access one of 1,000 bicycles at 80 stations across downtown after paying an annual fee. Riders can use of the bikes for 30 minutes before paying additional fees.

The bikes can also be rented to non-members on a 72-hour or 24-hour basis.

The first stations will be concentrated in the downtown core located between Bloor Street, Spadina Avenue, Jarvis Street and the waterfront.

The program already has 1,000 members in Toronto, and has launched operations in various cities including Montreal, Washington and London, England.

Click here to see the locations of the first 80 BIXI stations.