A few years ago, Paris was the first capital in the world to launch a large-scale self-service bike rental system. A decision not to be regreted, as the Velib’ has since become an essential artefact of XXIst century Parisian life.
Cheap and easy to rent, the grey bikes are the best friends to those who wish to breathe in some fresh air on their way to work, those who find no one to drive them home after a late-night party, and those who fall yet more in love with the city as they bike along the Seine river. We who have a yearly subscription have come to know and love all the quirks of the Velib’… which stations are more likely to be full at a given time of the day (this depends on how the working masses commute), how to pick out the perfect bike in seconds (no flat tires, no wobbly handlebar, no sliding seat)…
Since December 5th, 2011, Velib’ has something of a bigger sibling in the shape of Autolib’ – these colorful little cars you may have noticed at street corners and whose numbers are growing daily to reach 3000 units by 2013. Paris is the first city to boast 100% electric vehicles with a 180 miles autonomy. And in the cold month of January, Autolib’ seems a bit more cozy than Velib’!
