Bicycle rental a hit in Paris: Singapore considering similar set up

Straits Times 29 Dec 08;

ACCOUNTANT Michel Lepaulnier no longer battles the crowds on the Paris Metro during the early morning rush hour.

Instead, he hops on a rented bicycle near his home in the bohemian area of Montmartre on the right bank of the River Seine and cycles to his workplace about 7.5km away.

The 45-year-old pays nothing for renting the bicycle if he completes his journey within 30minutes, which he usually does.

Paris' bicycle rental system, called the Velib, has become a popular means of transport for both locals and tourists.

The success of the system, which has reduced congestion in the city and improved the environment, has the Singapore authorities considering a similar set-up here.

Last month, the Land Transport Authority said it was looking into setting up bicycle kiosks at MRT stations to provide bicycles, and bike-washing and parking facilities.

The Velib, which was started by the Paris town council last year, counts more than 20,000 bicycles spread across 1,450 stations located outside restaurants, on side streets and at tourist attractions, among other places.

The stations are spread across the entire 86.9sq km of Paris and serve two million people. The stations are no more than 300m apart and each has space for 20 to 35 bicycles.

'It's wonderful... I don't have to invest in a bicycle and it's really good exercise,' said Mr Lepaulnier.

Cyclists who hold on to the bike for more than 30 minutes pay ¥1 (S$2) for the first additional half hour, ¥2 for the second, and ¥4 for the third onwards. Commuters can also buy an annual subscription for ¥29.

To ensure that the system is not abused, cyclists have to wait a few minutes after returning their bicycles before borrowing another one. They must also register their credit card and put up a ¥150 deposit, which is deducted if the bike is not returned within 24 hours.

A Straits Times check found the system easy to use as it is available in languages other than French, including English.

Cycling in the city is also a breeze as cars do not try to squeeze cyclists out of the lanes. Some parts of the city have bicycle-only lanes or lanes allowing only bikes and buses.

In land-scarce Singapore, providing such cycling facilities may pose a problem. Another obstacle here is the hot and humid weather.

In Paris, the Velib has been instrumental in reducing congestion on the roads, greenhouse gases, and is also a welcome means of exercise.

But some issues raised by cyclists there include not being able to rent helmets, and having to circle around to find a station to return their bikes to when the one they want fills up.

MARIA ALMENOAR