In the City of Light, July 14 this year was not just the occasion to celebrate Bastille Day. It was the date when 10.000 bicycles bloomed around Paris.
Under the moniker of Velib (a mashup of Velo and Liberte), it offers an alternative to sitting in traffic and at the same time allows`you to stay in shape.
When the program is completed some 20.000 velos will be available in 1400 stations.
Currently there are 750 pickup and drop off spots around the capital.
At this time it seems there is no English language version of the Velib site.
You must first register for the service (a credit or debit card number must be provided).
As for the price of the ride, you can rent one of these old fashioned Grey 2 wheelers for only 1 Euro a day ( a steal) with an unlimited number of rides as long as`each of your trips does not exceed 30 minutes.
Note the basket on the front so you can carry your wine, camenbert and baguette for that romantic picnic on the banks of the Seine or for more prosaic needs.
Was the program the brainchild of Superdupont?
Since Michael Bloomberg has adopted a number of ideas from London for New York City, will he do the same with this Gallic one.
Thanks to Springwise for keeping us in the loop.
Liberte, Fraternite, Bicycles!
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