Key Pages:
13 Things 2008
Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology
Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology & the Ancient World
Brown University
Box 1837 / 60 George Street
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: (401) 863-3188
Fax: (401) 863-9423
[email protected]
Velo'v in Lyon, France. Bicing in Barcelona, Spain. Velib in Paris, France. Public bicycles are the new craze in Europe and slowly making its way to America. Although the logistics and specifics of each city is different, they have evolved similar approaches to the safest, cheapest most accessible way of running the program. These systems are usually free for the city and only a small fee for individuals because of a private partnerships or funding through associated car fees. Although one does need to be a member to access the bikes, the first 30 minutes are free and each hour consecutive is only a few Euros each. Bikes are recognizable to promote the program and prevent thievery and vandalism. However, these two crimes are still an issue, but cities are seeking ways to decrease these numbers and unfortunate additional costs. In the range of 20,000 bicycles and a station every 300 meters have been instituted in Paris, making it the largest in the world. These programs are all working on expanding with more bicycles, stations and users.
The meaning of Velib, the Paris program, is French for 'free bicycle' or 'bicycle freedom.' I don't think this is an unintentional two-handed translation. Despite the wide spread use and public access to these bicycles, it maintains its symbol of liberation, if not increasing in meaning.
Back to community programs
Back to The Bicycle home page