On its website, BIXI Montreal confirmed that it is considered an essential service and will be ready as planned for a spring launch. The company did suggest, however, that it would introduce new protective measures for riders. Visit MTLBlog for more headlines. We might be sedentary but the weather is not. Despite quarantine, spring is here and only getting warmer. And though many of the events and activities that normally herald the warm season have been cancelled, BIXI Montreal has confirmed it's not going anywhere. On its website, the bike-sharing service confirmed that it's considered an essential service in the province and will therefore remain operational during the pandemic. The BIXI spring launch will happen on schedule. After April 15, Montrealers will be able to zoom around the city once again. "BIXI is part of essential transportation and logistics services," the company writes on its website. "Our priority is to comply with public health recommendations while ensuring the launch of our service." "Preventive measures are in place, and we are considering the best course of action for the benefit of the community. Rest assured that hygiene is the focus of our concerns." BIXI has not stated whether it will begin more rigorous cleaning schedules like those on the metro (wiping down poles and handles, etc.), but it has suggested it will release several new rules for passengers in light of the outbreak. On March 18, the service announced that it had begun installing its stations around the city. View this post on Instagram đ Bonne nouvelle! Le service de vĂ©lo-partage BIXI sera prĂ©sent dans tous les arrondissements de MontrĂ©al d'ici 10 ans! đ Transformer lâexpĂ©rience urbaine par une mobilitĂ© active, accessible, innovante et collaborative c'est possible! #biximtl . DĂšs avril 2019, c'est 5 nouveaux arrondissements qui s'ajoutent: Lachine, @arrsaintlaurent, MontrĂ©al-Nord, Anjou et Saint-LĂ©onard. . Autres informations et dĂ©tails ici đ bixi.com /// đ Great news! Within 10 years, the BIXI bike sharing service will be available in every MontrĂ©al's boroughs! đ . Transforming the urban experience by active, accessible, innovative and collaborative mobility is possible, now more than ever! . By April 2019, 5 new boroughs will be added: Lachine, Saint-Laurent, Montreal-North, Anjou and Saint-LĂ©onard. . Other informations and details đ bixi.com A post shared by BIXI MontrĂ©al (@biximtl) on Jan 23, 2019 at 8:58am PST "As we deal with the global context of COVID-19 and continue to learn more about the measures taken by our various governments every hour, we wish to inform you that BIXI is working in compliance with the safety guidelines prescribed by public authorities." The post further explains that BIXI will be in "constant contact" with both the city and public health officials as it approaches the beginning of its season. View this post on Instagram On rĂȘve Ă lâĂ©tĂ© en cette journĂ©e grise đ / Dreaming of summer on this gray day âïž âą đž @bikemtl #biximtl #velomtl #mtlmoments #montrĂ©aljetaime #bikelovers A post shared by BIXI MontrĂ©al (@biximtl) on May 28, 2018 at 10:29am PDT Quebec is currently "on pause," in the words of Premier François Legault. Non-essential services have shuttered and strict social distancing measures are in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the province, including a ban on all gatherings and a recommendation that residents maintain a two-meter distance from other people. View this post on Instagram Dans le cadre des Dimanches BIXI gratuits prĂ©sentĂ©s par Manuvie, on invite les MontrĂ©alais ce dimanche 27 aoĂ»t Ă parcourir la ville Ă la recherche des 10 Valets BIXI cachĂ©s pour obtenir l'un des 50 abonnements annuels ou encore l'un des 180 nouveaux forfaits BIXI Ă la 10. Plus d'infos en cliquant le lien dans notre bio! // #biximtl #375bixi A post shared by BIXI MontrĂ©al (@biximtl) on Aug 23, 2017 at 10:59am PDT Right now, it's unclear if and how these regulations will affect BIXI service. Stay tuned for more information.