This weekend, Paris placed over 10,000 bikes in just 36 hours, launching an ambitious bike sharing system that is meant to 'lead a revolution in the way Parisians move around the city'. Dubbed Vélib' (from velo + liberté), the program aims to help reduce pollution and keep the people of Paris physically fit.
Customers can pick up a bicycle from one of 750 self-service points. If no bikes are available, renters are directed towards a well-stocked point nearby. After identifying themselves and providing credit or debit card details, users can take out a bike. A day pass costs EUR 1, allowing users as many rides as they like, provided each trip is less than 30 minutes. An additional half hour is EUR 1, with prices climbing for additional time used; the pricing model is aimed at encouraging quick turnover. Bikes can be returned at any service point. Once all 1,451 are in place (end of 2007), the nearest service point will never be far off — one every 300 metres, which means they'll be 4.4 times as densely distributed as metro stations. The number of bicycles will also be doubled, bringing the total to 20,600.
The sturdy grey bikes come with a metal basket on the handlebars and are heavier than standard bicycles, built to withstand heavy use. In line with the program's green image, Vélib‘ maintenance staff get around town on 130 electrically assisted bicycles. A barge with 12 stops along the Seine will pick up bikes in need of major repairs. Cleaning staff drive electric vehicles and use rain collected on the roofs of JCDecaux offices. Like a similar scheme in Lyon, where 10 percent of the city's population has a subscription to the local sharing scheme, Vélib‘ is operated by outdoor advertising giant JCDecaux, which is footing the bill in exchange for exclusive rights to 1,628 Paris billboards.
For short journeys, shared bicycles are faster, cheaper and easier than public transport. With fuel prices still on the rise and increased concern about the environmental costs of driving, planners from other cities should head over to Paris to test Vélib‘ in preparation for launching their own bicycle sharing program. And if you're in outdoor advertising, take a cue from JCDecaux's model! (For more examples, see our previous coverage of urban bicycle schemes.)
Website: velib.paris.fr
Images: Vélib' on Flickr
Spotted by L.C.
I can't think of a single city in the world that would not benefit from something like Vélib...
This is a good way to launch an environment-friendly activity. Way to go!
This is already working in barcelona and works pretty well..its called bicing bici (bicycle) and ing in english
their web is www.bicing.com
Cheers
same system ("Citybikes"/"Bycykler")is existing in the true bicycle city of Copenhagen, Denmark. Has existed for at least 10 years - most likely 15 .. it costs about the same as this one. See more here:
http://www.bycyklen.dk/
But we can never have too many bikes!!!
I think it is a great idea. It reminds me of the magazines in the Vienna subway. People read them and put them back for the next person. I always wondered why they didn’t all get stolen. The same question arises here. In NYC you see hundreds of partial bikes chained to poles with all their parts missing. Why would people ever return the bike to the stand?
It sounds familiar to me. Looks pretty much like the 'Bicing' project we have here in Barcelona. But in Barcelona it's cheaper and you need to have a subscription. That way, it's harder for tourists to get a "cheap" bike so the local rental shops won't go out of business.
But I noticed here it's hard to keep all the stations supplied with bikes, people are very unpredictable. One day they'll all take the bikes from one station to another, leaving one empty. The other day it's the other way around. Must be quite hard to manage all this.
Just about to be introduced by JCDecaux in Dublin, Ireland
Actually, I only see tourists using them. Most can't ride a bike properly and motorists are fuming!
forgot to say ...in Paris
Brilliant. Just brilliant! Way to go!
Barcelona has had this system as well since earlier than 2007. It is a good idea for two reasons
-encourages tourists to move around
-gets motorists used to having more bikes, and educates them
Philippe. De quoi tu parles? I live in Paris and I feel like EVERYONE is on these bikes.
Vélib is also turning into a social affair b/c since the bikes are readily available, people can go cycling with a group of friends (and in Paris, this means dressed to the nines).
I haven't been on a bike since I was 12 or 13 and I cannot wait to take a trip. I've already recruited my friends and now as I walk to my apartment, I am scanning different boulevards and avenues to see which ones would be most bike-friendly.
To be fair to Philippe, I am sure the motorists are scared to death and a little annoyed by all these neophyte Lance Armstrongs invading their streets.
Kudos to Paris and to JCDecaux, which in my mind, has never made a bad business move.
Tell me why I don't work for them??
"Just about to be introduced by JCDecaux in Dublin, Ireland"
A measly 450 bikes in return for a whopping 15 year contract for 120 new 'street furniture' advertising 'metropoles'; not a great deal for Dubliners.
Hi, I've been riding Velib since July 15 and have also checked out Barcelona's system. The recent transit strike caused increased ridership in Paris but conversely bikes could not be repaired as quickly (fewer workers available).
the system is a bit confusing but does work once you get accostumed to it. I have placed some tips and tricks in:
http://velibobsession.blogspot.com
evan
to be fair, its really great. all cities should do it. I still prefer having my own bicycle though. no problem to park it and its there when i get back (hopefully!)