Day: November 7, 2023

Paris implemented the Velib scheme in 2007 to address its traffic issues, including excessive cars, traffic jams, and pollution from exhaust gases. The scheme allows people to borrow and use bikes for as long as they want, with the first half hour free. If they don’t return after 30 minutes, they have to pay. The cost is €1 per day or €29 per year. The bikes are 25kg, all grey, and there are about 20,000 in the city, with 1,450 bicycle stations. Some Parisians say that these bikes are only for short trips. A city spokesman stressed that the cycling scheme would not solve all traffic problems, but could reduce air pollution. If not, traffic jams and environmental problems will increase.