Explore the City of Love on Two Wheels: Paris Via Bicycle

Explore the City of Love on Two Wheels: Paris Via Bicycle

Rewritten Article:

Cycling Paris: A Tourist's Guide to Navigating the City of Light with Vélib'

Forget the car, and forget your feet – public transportation's not the answer. The real way to navigate the City of Light is by bike, thanks to the Vélib' service. Last summer, I gave it a spin for three days, following the suggestions in the Cartoville guide for cycling along the eastern canals. And I was hooked!

Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just a casual rider, hopping on a bike is the best way to see Paris. You'll cover more ground than strolling and be faster than relying on public transport. Plus, you can stop anytime to soak in the sights and attractions along the way.

At first glance, Parisian bike lanes can look a bit confusingly winding, but with a bit of practice, you'll find them easy to navigate. These lanes run all over the city, often crossing wide boulevards on the outside of the street. They even intersect at busy intersections, where you'll need to pay close attention to ensure your safety. To help you out, bike lane signs are written on the road, making them easy to spot.

Safety is a top priority when cycling in Paris, and the city's cycling network exceeds even that of Montreal. Paris has secure bike paths that protect cyclists from cars, making your ride much more comfortable. Plus, cars are required to drive at a maximum speed of 30 km/h citywide, which helps cyclists feel even safer.

For tourists, using Vélib' is impressively simple. Of course, it's not perfect; you'll still encounter a few challenges. But with a bit of planning, a charged smartphone, and a few handy tips, you'll be pedaling through the streets of Paris in no time.

Tips for Vélib' Tourists:

1. Follow the bike lane: Yes, this might sound like an obvious tip. But for newcomers, Paris's bike lanes can be confusing. As a Montrealer, I found the intersecting lanes and winding paths a bit disorienting. To stay safe, always follow bike lane signs and be aware of intersections.
2. Respect the signage: Like in every city, it's crucial to follow bike signage. In Paris, traffic is constant, and both cyclists and cars share the roads. So, it's essential to respect stop signs and red lights to avoid accidents.
3. Be wary of broken bikes: The Vélib' system isn't perfect, and you'll sometimes encounter broken or damaged bikes. To avoid ending up with a bike that doesn't work, carefully choose the bike you'll rent for longer rides. In case a bike doesn't meet your expectations, Parisians have a code for it: a bike that doesn't work has its seat turned backwards.
4. Wear a helmet: Wearing a helmet isn't mandatory in Paris (except for children under 12), but I strongly recommend it. It's always better to be safe than sorry. To save space in your suitcase, stuff your helmet's interior with socks or sweaters. Roughly four out of five Parisians don't wear helmets.
5. Keep your phone charged: Always keep your phone fully charged in the morning so you can use navigation apps throughout the day. The Vélib' app is particularly useful for planning routes, locating bike stations, and checking bike availability.
6. Get the pass: If you plan on cycling a lot, get the 24-hour or 3-day pass. With the 3-day pass, for €20, all your trips under 60 minutes on a regular bike are free. Electric bike passes are more expensive. You can subscribe to the passes by paying at a Vélib' station with your phone or by buying a pass online on the Vélib' site.

Safety Tips

• Dedicated Bike Lanes: Paris is home to over 50 miles of bike lanes, which are well-marked[4].
• Signage Awareness: Familiarize yourself with traffic signs and bike-specific signals. Always follow traffic rules and use designated bike lanes.
• Shared Spaces: Be prepared for shared spaces where cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles coexist, particularly in pedestrianized areas[4].
• Testing and Reporting: Before starting your ride, test your bike to ensure it's functioning correctly. If you encounter issues with the bike, report them through the Vélib' app or contact customer service.

Helmets

• Requirement: While helmets are not mandatory for adults in France, they are highly recommended.
• Children under 12: Helmets are required for children under 12 years old.

Phone Usage

• Minimize User: Try to minimize phone usage while cycling, especially while consulting maps and apps. If necessary, use a phone mount to keep your hands free for control.

Pass Acquisition

• Create an Account: Set up a Vélib' account in advance and download the app to streamline bike rental.
• Subscription Options: Choose the appropriate subscription plan (e.g., day pass) to suit your needs, with prices starting at €5 per day[1].

1. Cycling in Paris with Vélib' requires following the designated bike lanes, even for experienced cyclists, as they can be disorienting, especially for newcomers.
2. In Paris, attention should be paid to road signs and signals for both cyclists and vehicles to ensure safety, as traffic is constant in the city.
3. To avoid issues with malfunctioning bikes, careful selection of the bike to rent for longer rides is essential, and Parisians have a code for indicating a broken bike – the seat turned backwards.
4. Wearing a helmet is optional for adults in Paris, but it's highly recommended for safety, especially when unfamiliar with the crowded streets.
5. Keeping a fully charged phone is crucial for using navigation apps and the Vélib' app for planning routes, locating bike stations, and checking bike availability.
6. If planning on cycling a lot during your visit, consider getting the 24-hour or 3-day pass, which offers free trips under 60 minutes on a regular bike, and can be subscribed to by paying at a Vélib' station or buying online.

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