General Information » Getting Around » Bicycle

Traditionally not a popular form of transportation, bicycles recently made a huge entry onto the Parisian street scene, thanks to the new Velib’ scheme. Around 20,000 bicycles are available to the public for short-term rental at bike stations which can be found roughly every 300 metres. It costs €29 to use the system for a year. Short duration subscriptions – daily and weekly – can also be purchased at any station for €1 and €5, respectively. Regardless of which subscription you have, the first 30 minutes of each ride are free. You pay €1 for the first extra half-hour, then €2 for each half-hour after. With the short-term subscriptions these fees are deducted from your bank account, while annual pass holders have a prepaid account.

With the advent of Velib’, the City of Paris has stressed for all cyclists the need to follow traffic laws. Cyclists are not permitted to ride on pavements and must respect the right of way. Cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets, though it is not currently the law.