Bike Sharing Sweeps Paris Off Its Feet

A new bicycle-based mass transit system in Paris called Velib has quickly become a success. This article describes how the Velib system operates and how it fits into a broader mobility plan for Paris. The city has contracted with a private joint venture to operate Velib. Most profits are derived from billboard advertisements. Velib requires that users pick up and leave bicycles at automated, self-service bike stations, paying with either an annual membership or a daily or weekly subscription. Usage costs are incurred after the first 30 minutes. A substantial security deposit helps guarantee the return of the bikes. The bikes were specially designed to meet commuter needs while withstanding rugged operating conditions. As of December 2007, there will be 20,600 bicycles and 1,451 stations in Paris. Within the first 18 days of operation, Velib had already logged one million rides, which indicates that the system is popular among Parisians. The bike sharing scheme is just one component of Paris's new mobility plan. The plan also emphasizes traffic restraint, the expansion of shared-use streets, a car sharing program similar to Velib and a bus rapid transit system.