Paris’ Vélib public bike program plagued with vandalism, theft

by Jeffrey White on


When Paris introduced its Vélib program of rental bikes citywide in the summer of 2007, it was an immediate hit with both residents and tourists alike, and heralded as an example of a city making concrete efforts to “green” itself by giving people cleaner alternatives to taxis, cars and public transportation.

It’s safe to say that those behind the program were not envisioning the bikes being used the way they are in this video.

The BBC reports that the Vélib program is in serious trouble, thanks not only to misuse like this but to more severe vandalism and, worse, theft. Nearly half of the 15,000 bicycles that were first introduced 18 months ago are missing and presumed stolen.

And by vandalism, I’m not talking about punctured tires. There are instances when bikes have been found hanging from lamp posts, dumped into the Seine, set on fire or just literally smashed to pieces. The BBC says that since the program has started, every bike has at some point had to be replaced (to the tune of $520 each)

The company that runs the program (with the help of a government subsidy), JCDecaux, says it is becoming way too expensive to maintain the program citywide and there is talk of abandoning it.

Just how popular are the bikes?

They’ve been used 42 million times since their introduction (there are roughly 120,000 trips on them a day) and have brought in $25.3 million to the city. Their popularity is based on the fact that they are cheap to rent (you can buy a year’s “subscription” for unlimited rentals for just $40).

For now, JCDecaux is locked in a battle with Paris City Hall to change the business model behind the scheme which currently has the company footing most of the cost for maintain and replacing the bikes (a cost it says it can no longer shoulder alone).

No doubt other major cities that are thinking of emulating the program — among them London and San Francisco — have to be concerned watching the problems that have emerged in Paris.

As is often the case, a small percentage of people are ruining a good thing for everyone else. One doesn’t want to use this as yet more proof about how nothing good lasts, but…

Got what it takes to wear the yellow jersey?

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Every cyclist dreams of pedaling through l’Arc de Triomphe and claiming endless glory. Short of that, there is nothing wrong with viewing the action first hand. Great Explorations has put together two trips for the coming year that deliver the latter (to ride it yourself, you have to earn it).

The first itinerary offers great views of at least three stages of the race, including the mountain stage finish at Le Grand Bornand, the individual time trial at Annecy and finish at Mt. Ventoux. The second itinerary takes you to Paris, where you can view the finish at along the Champs Elysees from balconies overlooking the course.

Both trips feature small groups with expert guides and carefully selected local restaurants. Best of all, you can ride the Mt. Ventoux stage ahead of the pros. We’ve all dreamed of this. Now, you can test your time against the pros! Start training immediately (after you book your trip, of course).

Bike and cruise options for Alaska and Caribbean

by Jamie Rhein on

Here’s a cruise option that combines two different elements: biking and cruise ship amenities. The company Bike and Cruise, paired with Norwegian Cruise Lines offers unique vacation options in Alaska, Europe and the Caribben. Each day the ship takes you to a new port where you set off on your bicycle to enjoy the sights and scenery.

The cycling portion is led by an expert cyclist which certainly has benefits. The beauty of this sort of bicycling trip is that you don’t have to schlep all you gear with you. Plus, after a hard day of cycling, there’s a hot tub to enjoy, oodles of food options and all the rest of the amenities on a ship.

According to the Bike and Cruise trip descriptions, when you’re on the ship, you’re able to do what you want and eat with who you want to spend time with. It’s not like you have to be with just the people who are part of your tour group.

Years ago, I did an organized cycling trip in Western Australia. Except for the fact that, in order to take the trip, I chaperoned 20 high school-aged kids, mostly boys, it was grand, particularly on the days I was able to head off alone. Even fifteen minutes can work wonders.

I read in the Columbus Dispatch travel briefs that the Alaska cruise is to sail from Seattle on June 28th and the trip goes until July 5. The website reflects the 2008 dates, so if you’re interested, contact the company. The cruise dates for the Caribbean and Europe are not yet listed either.

Play chicken in Helsinki traffic

by Tom Johansmeyer on

I was pretty impressed by Helsinki‘s public transportation, which was more than ample with trolleys, subways and buses. There were few SUVs, and the bike lane was rarely empty. While the Finns got the ingredients right, the mixing was … well … suboptimal.

The least menacing of the interesting transportation overlaps involves the bike lanes and sidewalk. Neither is clearly defined, and I almost got clipped by a cyclist my first day on the ground. And, that wasn’t the only Finn to take a shot at me. Of course, this is tame compared to the streets, in which cars, buses and trolleys jockey for position.

I actually saw a trolley, bus and car jammed in traffic, while a pedestrian walked straight into a guy wearing headphones while riding a purple woman’s bike. From my spot on the small patio in front of the Klaus K Hotel, I was able to enjoy the misfortune of others. But, I almost lost my arm at the hands of an errant cyclist while taking the few steps back to the front door.With Satan traveling the roads, what chance does any pedestrian have?

I snapped this shot with my Blackberry. This was the taxi in which I rode while in Helsinki over the summer. Needless to say, I did pause for a moment before getting in.

China’s Hidden Outdoor Wonderland

by Kraig Becker on

The Wall Street Journal published a really interesting story over the weekend about the Guangxi Autonomous Region in Southeast China, which is a gateway to a seldom visited paradise for outdoor enthusiasts looking to climb, mountain bike, or paddle their way through a remote area surrounded by stunning scenery.

The largest city in the area is Guilin, but for outside visitors coming to play, Yangshuo is the destination of choice. The small town is located on the Li River, which has carved a path through the sprawling limestone cliffs that dominate the horizon, and help to isolate the region from the majority of the tourist traffic.

Yangshuo has, in recent years, become a destination for backpackers coming to the area to whitewater raft on the Li or mountain bike in the near by mountains. The backpacker influence has meant that there are a number of cheap places to eat and sleep in the village, as well as guide and outfiter services looking to help visitors take advantage of the natural wonders at their disposal. The article offers tips for travelers planning on visiting Yangshuo, such as how to get there, and the best places to stay and eat after you’ve arrived.

For the most part, the Guangxi Region is still relatively unknown to outsiders, which makes it a wonderful opportunity for adventure travelers who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy outdoor activities in a quiet, undiscovered environment. Yanghuo is actively courting tourists though, so you may want to go before the word gets out.