Manulife Financial is the new presenting partner for the City of Montreal's BIXI bicycle sharing network.

Earlier this week, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, BIXI chairwoman Marie Elaine Farley, and Manulife Quebec president and CEO Charles Guay announced that the insurer has decided to sponsor the BIXI program.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle

Marie Elaine Farley, who is also head of Quebec financial services self-regulatory organization the Chambre de la sécurité financière, said that since many of Manulife's programs promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle she felt that the link between the insurer and BIXI would make sense. "Their desire to help promote BIXI and to see as many people as possible using the service is at the heart of our collaboration," she commented.

Manulife's Charles Guay said the partnership with BIXI is part of his company’s commitment to being a full-fledged member of the Montreal community. "Physical and financial well-being are of the utmost importance and the best way to show that is by getting involved with a mode of transportation that Montrealers appreciate, in addition to being a responsible mode of transportation," he added.

Quicker access to bikes

As part of the new partnership, BIXI is introducing BIXI-Manuvie valets who will be present at major gatherings and events in Montreal in 2016. Those who use the BIXI service will be welcomed at the busiest stations and provided with quicker access to bikes or parking spaces during peak hours.