Travelling Cheap

It was a great idea, and still is for that matter, renting out bicycles in the French capital. Sure there have been some problems, like a third of the bicycles ending up in Romania and Australia, however the scheme has been credited with success with thousands of people using the bicycle stands every day. To begin with the scheme was aimed at people that would use the bicycles for a short ride, however, there is something romantic about riding a bicycle through Paris. To be honest, doing anything in Paris is pretty damn romantic to begin with, so riding a stylish grey Velib (as they are called) and then not having to worry about storing or parking it makes you feel like you’re in a New Wave film from the 60s or that Amelie might ride round the next corner.

There are beautiful sites to take in around the centre of Paris, but walking is a bit too slow and driving is a bit too fast (and infuriating in traffic). Hopping on a bike in a foreign city automatically makes me think I’m on holiday. It’s fast and safe, as long as you pay attention to what you are doing, but you might want to bring your own helmet as the Velibs do not come with protective gear.

Another interesting side effect of this new Velib culture is the flirting that goes on between cyclists and at the bicycle ramps. As if the French were not charming enough, now they can assist helpless tourists use the Velib systems and might offer to ride along side you down the Seine and point out interesting buildings, statues and perhaps a petit bar or bistro for a glass of wine, non?

In any case, this scheme has proved so successful that other cities in Europe, the US and Asia are all sending officials to check and see if they can apply it to their streets. Booking a hostel or hotel room in central Paris is important though, otherwise you’ll have to take the metro or the bus and that kind of defeats the object.

For 1 euro a day it must be the cheapest way to get around. I’m bringing the Tom-Tom from the car to avoid asking for directions.

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