Some time ago, I wrote a post about transportation in Paris, saying that the new measures taken to curb traffic were making drivers’ life a nightmare. Well, now a new project has been launched in Paris. This one differs entirely from all the measures that were taken before in several aspects – it sends a positive message, it is innovative and bold.

The Velib project is Paris aims at providing bikes for rental (in some cases free) all over the city. With an aim to open 1,450 stations in the city (more than 700 already set up) the location scheme will cover the whole of Paris. More details on the official Website and on Wikipedia.

The important message of this project is that it finally sends a positive message, it offers alternatives to other public transportation means and to driving. It is not clear how much a scheme like that will actually reduce traffic, or if it will have any effect at all, but people seem to like the project. Many people I met had already tried to service and wanted to use it more, and while walking the streets of Paris people can see more and more “Velibs”.

It is also an innovative and bold project. The speed at which the stations have been and are being installed is just amazing. It brings freshness to Paris and states that bold things can be done in France. A message that to me is too rare…

I just hope now that the project will be successful and free of troubles like in Copenhagen where entire stations were emptied of their bikes by thieves…