You may have heard about the awesome public bicycle rental service in Paris known as Vélib’. BUT did you know that the idea actually started in Lyon with its Velo’v* rental service in 2005...2 years before Paris copied it and people went gaga over it. What can I say...Lyon is awesome.
But then again, maybe you have no idea what the hell I am talking about. If that’s the case, I’ll explain. All around Lyon are stations (343 to be exact) that contain racks of bicycles that are electronically guarded and controlled. With a daily, weekly or yearly subscription, one is able to rent a bike at any of these stations. The rates vary depending on the length of the subscription you have, but this document explains it pretty well:
I personally get the first hour free and to be honest I never use it for anymore time than that. The service comes in handy after late night excursions downtown and the metro is closed, or perhaps you have an emergency to attend a mile away and waiting for a bus won’t cut it. All you have to do is go up to a station and do this:
I was originally thinking about buying my own bicycle - or even bringing my own from the states - but I stopped looking when I realized that I have all the benefits of a bicycle without the hassle of worrying about it getting stolen or vandalized. Granted, they’re not the lightest or sharpest looking machines, but with a 3-speed Shimano Nexus hub, front and rear drum brakes, front and rear full fenders, bell, front basket and built in lock for the quick stops, they get the job done. I wouldn’t use them in a race or to do cross country biking in, but European urban cycling? Sign me up.
* Vélo'v is a portmanteau of the French word "Vélo" meaning bicycle and the English word "Love"
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