Rent a bike in Paris & London

Never been to Paris, but the way traffic is in London, I'd avoid riding a bike in the central part of the city unless you are a very confident cyclist. London has such an efficient bus and tube network too. I have considered taking a bike tour in London, that might be fun. But I am scared to ride there since they drive on the other side of the road, I'd be worried to get hit while I'm not paying attention to the rules of the road. I think bus, tube and walking in London is a very good idea!

Another answer that doesn't address the question. Paris has the bike share/rental program. BUT, you need a credit card with the chip to use it or an American Express card. It is great way to get from point to point. You swipe the card, unlock the bike, and return it to the next station. It is great way to get around Paris for relatively short distances. Take a walking/biking GPS with you. London is another issue. Last time I was London (three years ago) I did not see a similar program. But it was three years ago. Bikes will work within a five to ten mile range. After that I would switch to public transit.

Thank you both, Dave and Frank. We will try it in Paris. Do we have to pay deposite every time when renting?

Good for you. Be sure to get the GPS as Paris is difficult to navigate. Enjoy.

Need someone from London or England to chip in here. Doesnt London have the "Boris-bikes' scattered around as an enticement for Londoners to use bikes instead of cars? However I would be careful where I used them, going around hyde Park corner in a taxi is crazy enough, let alone a bike Per google: "Barclays cycle Hire", (Boris- Bikes) over 5,000 bikes at over 315 docking stations, available by credit card for casual users from December 2010. Available at docking sites from Notting Hill (West) to Tower Hill (east). You can find more information on Google

The shared bike program is not designed for long term rental. If you want an all day rental, go to a bike shop and rent for the day. These bike shared programs are designed to provide quick transportation from point A to B. You swipe a card, the bike is released, you ride it to the next station, and return the bike to the stand. In Denver, the first 30 minutes are free, next 30 minutes a dollar, next hour $5, and by the fourth or fifth hour it will be $20/hour. The Paris program is similar but don't know the fee structure. Designed more for locals than tourists. Looks like London now has a similar program. It is handy and fun way to get around. A big advantage is that you do not have to worry about bike theft.

I looked at the new "Boris Bikes" rental option in London, but it's charged by the hour, and very expensive! Cheaper to take the bus or tube. In Amsterdam you can rent a bike for an entire day for 10 Euros, which is a more reasonable rate.

Thank you all! We will take bus / tube in London, and walk.

Had to look at the site after Dave said it was very expensive. I guess it iis a matter of perspective. I thought it looked cheap. Very similar to the Denver set up. $1.60/day or less to use the system. First 30 minutes are free. $1.60 for first hour. Much cheap than the tube for short distances. But as I pointed out earlier, this is not a long term rental program.

I have bags of experience with Boris' Bikes in London. They are for a niche - a big niche. A quick primer - Called Boris' Bikes by locals because they were brought in and championed by Boris Johnson the tousle haired eccentric London Mayor who cycles to work and play. Underwritten by Barclays Bank and both they and the docking stations wear their colours and ads. Bikes are well designed, a little heavy, fully and easily adjustable for saddle height with printing on the stem so you can set the next one to the correct height, with automatic flashing head and tail lights and a bungie corded bag area at the front and a kickstand. They are designed to dock and lock in one fluid motion when presented to the docking station. The program expects the rider to use the bike in short stints of 30 minutes or less and dock the bike. If used in that way it can be used for free all day as long there is 5 minutes between when a bike is docked and another (or the same one) is taken, just £1 for the activity fee for the day. If not used that way it >>will<< mount up quickly. They expect you to go somewhere and dock the bike so somebody else has a chance to use it. Then come out of the museum, shop, whatever and take another. A fantastic advantage of that system, and the reason why the docking stations are so close together is that the bikes don't have locks and all you do is dock it. The clock stops, and you don't have to worry about theft. ... on to the next message for information about routes and hiring ...

... continued ... Its nowhere near as hard to ride safely and easily in London as it may seem. Just get a couple of streets off the main drag and there will be very little traffic - rush hors excepted. The centre of London is honeycombed with bike routes, a couple of bike freeways and bike lanes. At most traffic lights is a zone for bikes ahead of other traffic, and bike crossing lights or pelicans at major route crossings. 30 minutes is a long time on a bike - I easily go from the Tower or Liverpool Street to Soho and the West End with 10 minutes to spare. It can be a bit difficult if you don't have a chip and pin card because that's what the card readers expect. If you buy a key ahead you don't need to put a card in the reader.

Jamie I see your question about the deposit. I've never used the Vélib in Paris but in London there is no separate deposit. When you use your credit card you agree to be charged for late return, theft, damage, etc. If none of those occur you're just charged the £1 a day.

Nigel - thank you so much for the details, great info!