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VELIB' – A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL IN PARIS

The self-service bike transportation system

Tracey Stanard

Today you can tour Paris from a bike, at your own pace, the way you’d like without having to follow a tour or schedule for the metro or bus. This comes thanks to Velib' – the newest transportation system in Paris: self-service 3-speed bikes that are sturdy, inexpensive and easy to pick up and drop off.  It’s a nice change to the alternate of being cooped up on a public transportation vehicle.  Also, unlike the metro which closes at 1pm, Velib' stations are opened 24/7.

The Velib' terminal is designed to include 8 languages:  French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.  Obviously they want the system to work for tourists as well as residents.  This is a welcoming offer to Paris – the premiere world tourist destination with 27 million visitors a year.

How the Velib' System Works

Just go to one of the Velib' stations throughout the city, and select either a one-day card (1 euro) or a weekly card (5 euros.)  The first half-hour is free, then the cost is just 1 euro for the second half-hour, 2 euros for the third half hour and 4 euros for each half-hour after that.

After the purchase of an access card along with your own personal password, go to a meter and simply type in the code your bike should unlock and you’re off!  Once you reach your destination Velib’ station – click the bike into an empty dock, the light should change from yellow to green, and that’s it.  Just in case the bike docks are full, you get a free 15 minute courtesy ride to the closest station.

There has been some talk about whether US Credit Cards will work without the “puce” (micro-chip,) but according to JC Decaux (the developer of Velib’) in a NY Times article, the system now accepts US American Express cards, other US cards, however, remain questionable.

Be aware that minors aged from 14 (minimum height:  1.50 m) may only use Velib’ with the authorization of their legal guardian.

Laying Groundwork for the Future

The city of Paris has over 371 km (230 miles) of cycling lanes and growing  – which definitely help the cyclist get around.

The Velib’ system should have 20,600 bikes by the end of 2007, as well as a station every 900 feet for a total of 1,451.  This is a dense transportation network, by comparison, the metro has a total of 298 stations.

Happy cycling!

 

Resources

http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/: Includes a 31 page press release from the city that includes everything you need to know.

You may call the Velib’ Call Centre regarding subscription questions and information:  01 30 79 79 30

http://www.velib.paris.fr/: The official website

Tracey has briefly lived and traveled in France. She enjoys writing and glad that this article has helped her brush up on her French!

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