Another bike question.....I'm reading mixed reviews about the Velib system in paris and the new sharing program in barcelona. Has anyone used these bikes on their trip? I would like to take them rather than subway.
Posted by
Fishers, IN, USA
25 posts
Used Velib last month in Paris. It was a fun little spur of the moment thing for our 13 year old boys. We just rode around our apartment near Invalides; wish we had used them closer to a park area (Luxembourg Gardens or such) because I was constantly worried about traffic even though it was a Sunday morning and not so busy. Our American Express cards worked perfectly. Broken bikes supposedly have the seats turned backwards to let workers know they need repair.
Posted by
OP
NYC
47 posts
I think they take more cards now according to their website. They used to take american express which is why I didn't use them last time. I'm going to make sure my visa or card has a chip. thanks!
Posted by
Irvine, CA, USA
1 posts
I just got back last week from Paris and loved the Velib bike system. I wished I had done it sooner. Our American Express credit card and it worked fine. We subscribed for a one-day use.
We would use the bikes for 25 minutes and then try to find the next station to park it before the 30-minute free use was up. There are stations all over the city, but there were 2 times where we couldn't find a station in time. I guess you would have to plan ahead. But it's no big deal since they charge just 1 euro for the next 30 minutes.
Also, check the tire pressures first. We LOVED it. We got to see so much more of the city! It sure beats walking and taking the hot and stuffy subway.
We didn't do the "Bicing" in Barcelona, but wished we did. Barcelona is a big city and riding a bike around the city would be great!