Vélib – Freedom Bikes

Upon arrival in Paris, I was instantly aware of ‘Vélib’ stations dotted all over the city; places where you are able to hire a bicycle in order to navigate your way through the metropolis. Paris has a comprehensive network of cycle paths running alongside but separated from the main vehicular traffic flow; the only problem is that often pedestrians seem unaware that they are straying into a cycle lane. I saw a couple of near misses but no actual collisions.

The technology which the Vélib system uses allows cyclists to pay to use a bicycle (at something resembling a pay and display machine) . This releases the bicycle from the recharging stand points.

Vélib’s website has information regarding hire. When you hire a bicycle, as is stated online: ‘…the first 30 minutes of every journey are always free of charge.’ a cost of €1 applies for the next half hour, then €2 for the third half hour and €4 for each subsequent half hour. The website also states that you can hire a bicycle with a day, week or year subscription. The bicycles are well maintained and can be returned to any of the hire stations. For further information, go to Vélib’s website at: http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/ Bon effort Paris!