A Montreal doctor, citing a number of Bixi-related injuries, is urging Montreal to provide helmets with the rental bikes.
Dr. Tarek Razek, head of the trauma unit at the McGill University Health Centre, tells CTV News that helmets would cut down on injuries.
The issue of helmets has been raised a number of times since the bike service was launched in the spring.
There have been concerns that offering helmets would be unhygienic, but Razek says people could staff Bixi stations to make sure the helmets are washed.
Grit in the gears?
The service is already showing signs of wear and tear, and vandalism is becoming a growing problem.
The city says such incidents are few and far between but a published report says Montreal police will be keeping a closer eye on Bxi stations.
Service to expand
The Bixis are becoming so popular that the city is rushing through plans to expand the service - 100 new Bixi parking stations will be installed by August.
In the first seven weeks that the first rental bikes rolled onto city streets, 45,000 people have saddled up for a ride.
Biking enthusiasts can expect to see the rental bikes in N.D.G., Outremont, the Olympic stadium and Atwater market.
