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Velib: Getting around Paris by BicycleBicycle Tours | Segway electric scooter tours | VelibVelib' - the new Paris self-service "bicycle transit system"On July 15, 2007, the city of Paris intoduced a new self-service "bicycle transit system" called Velib’. Parisians and visitors alike can pick up and drop off bicycles throughout the city at 750 locations—offering a total of 10,648 bikes. By the end of the year, there will be a Velib’ station approximately every 900 feet for a total of 1,451 locations and 20,600 bikes. There's been an identical scheme running in Lyon since 2005, and Barcelona has had a similar system going since March of this year. Now the Velib scheme is aimed at encouraging Parisians to switch to pedal power to make their short journeys. The great thing is that the bike does not have to be returned to the same pick-up point - you can leave it in the nearest Velib stand when you get to your destination. Accessing the BikesYou have to be over 14 to use Velib', and you have to be at least 1.5 metres tall, and minors have to have the permission of their parents. The same card can be used for public transport and for Velib'. You can set up a subscription for just one day or for a whole week and the subscription fee is minimal: riders can select a one-day card for 1 euro, a weekly card for 5 euros or an annual card for 29 euros. The Velib' system is designed for short journeys, not day-long hire. Once you've got your access card, the first half hour of pedalling time is absolutely free but, if you fail to return the bike to a Velib' station after 30 minutes, you get charged an extra euro and the penalties go up the later you are, 2 euros for another 30-minutes and 4 euros for every addition half-hour after that. Example: a 25 minute trip = 0 euros, a 50 minute trip = 1 euro, an hour and 15-minute ride = 3 euros. For more information visit: www.velib.paris.fr (French language only)
Next page: Bicycle Tours , Paris Segway tours or go to Paris Sightseeing Index |
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