April 16th, 2006
Bike Share Program in Lyon, France
By Spacing // 3 Comments
Spacing contributor Anjali Mishra writes to us about a comprehensive Bike Share program in Lyon, France.
"The bike sharing programme in Lyon leaves me very excited. ... The bikes are fully equiped with mud guard (orange -- the new colour of revolution), headlights, baskets and all. The bike stations are all around the central area of the city -- only 50 meters from each other. The computer in the silver cylinder that serves as a marker not only allows you to unlock a bike (you get an account, and trips of a 1/2 hour or less are free) but also lets you know where more bikes are available. The billboard-style maps show you where the bike stations are, so you can spot the closest station to your destination.
Apparently, the millions of Euros required to fund the programme were provided "generously" by an advertising agency. I hope the National Heritage authorities continue to control the proliferation of their materials as they do now [the sponsor's name is only subtly present, and adverstising is limited]."
Below is an image of the complete bike station, including map, kiosk and bikes. Not also the really cool illusionistic false-front wall mural, with bookshelves where the windows would be.
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Lyon is famous for its wall murals (amongst other things: UNESCO heritage site, where the Lumiere brothers filmed some of the first film ever, its claim as the gastronomic capital of France...).
The Velo(V) bike rental system is very successful. Over 200 separate stations like the one in the photo distributing over 2000 bikes all around central Lyon. The plan is to eventually have 7000, I understand. For more info see: http://www.velov.grandlyon.com/
Lyon is one of the world's cities with the best quality of life: amazing transport, well situated, good economy, tonnes of universities, etc. An interesting place. I'm writing as a Canadian in Lyon for the year....
Only problem with Velo'v is that it's not available for casual use by foreigners. You need a French credit card to purchase one of the short-term cards and a French address to register for one of the longer-term ones.
That false wall mural is gorgeous. I love how it's playful and fantastical, and engages the passers-by; it's the kind of art I'd like to see in this city.
Comment by Gloria
April 17, 2006 | 4:16 pm