I'm returning to Paris for 2 weeks and have just read that the city has bikes you can rent called velibs. I'm a cyclist who has taken guided bike tours in Paris before. This mode of transportation sounds ideal.
My question is this: I've read about the 317km of bike paths in Paris but I can't find any maps. Can anyone direct me to a website with the info?
Many thanks,
Jim
317 km?
I think these must be bike lanes that have been marked on city streets, not dedicated paths separate from auto traffic.
Velib still sounds pretty cool.
Jim....you can find a zoomable pdf map of the bike paths in Paris at http://www.paris.fr/portail/viewmultimediadocument?multimediadocument-id=18436 . The Velib rental program has proved a huge success in its first year...but it won't take North American credit cards, with the exception of Amex, I believe. Maybe Jona can fill us in on this.
There are approximately 320 km of bike lanes in Paris. I have yet to find a bike map other than the items on Velib's website.
Velib will not (most unfortunately) accept standard American credit cards (nor are they accepted in the RATP or SNCF kiosks). Perhaps your Canadian credit card will do the trick? Those that have the "smart chip" such as with AmEx will work. And unfortunately, only a credit card or debit card with the chip can be used.
Fat Tire Bicycle Tours will also rent bikes.
One thing to consider - most boulevards are wide and have lanes - most drivers are used to cyclists. August is the month of cycling for me because there are so few cars here. I ride Velib nearly 2-3 weekly. I have a yearly pass and I just swipe and go.
You can purchase a 1 day pin number or 7 day pin number (1 & 7 euros respectively)
Here is the trick - the first 30 minutes are free. I set my route and mobile phone to give me an alarm about 23 minutes into my route - find the closest Velib station - park the bike - stretch for 3 minutes - swipe and go for the next 30 minutes - and so on. There is regular maintenance on the bikes - but check the tires etc.
Bon chance !!!
www.velib.paris.fr
(upper right corner select English from the drop down "autres langues")
Jona, Velib's website indicates that one can purchase a subscription online at their website. Would this be a way of getting around the American credit card problem? ... and I tried to see if I could get to a screen where I could purchase a subscription but was unsuccessful navigating. I chose the English language version. Maybe that was my problem? Insufficient French?
Hello, I am in Paris now. I rented a bike last year and it was great fun. But do beware that this year you have to put down a $150 euro deposit. Thats what it asked for when I tried to sign up. I would go to the Fat Tire Bike tours office for a bike.
I didnt have to do the deposit last year. Does anyone know when this changed?
