On their bikes

Written by Riviera Reporter

As oil prices soared so the French (like most people) cut back on driving. Some commuters opted for public transport, others took to a bicycle – sales of two wheels have jumped by over 20 per cent in just five years. The advantages are clear, as Eric Blair, Monaco’s Honorary British Council and a fervent vélophile, puts it: “It’s a great experience compared with being shut up in a car. You’ve got the fresh air, you see what’s going on, parking’s easy and you get some good exercise. Two tips, though: wear a helmet and make sure your bell works.” A reader who commutes daily between Cimiez and Arenas says, “I get to and fro much faster than when I drove. Only serious rain puts me off.”

The bicycle has a place of honour among Greens and eco-conscious councils are enthusiastic about cheap rent-a-bike schemes. The best known is Vélib’ in Paris with some 21,000 machines available at 1500 self-service points. The charges are very reasonable, both for commuters and one-off users (note, by the way, that only French-style cards à puce can be used). Paris has certainly taken to “the freedom bike”. As one woman told France-Info, “It’s wonderful not to use the metro and to avoid all that body odour.” For the organisers – it’s a joint venture between the mairie and J.C. Decaux – there are expected headaches, notably vandalism and theft – dozens of Vélib’s have turned up in Romania (No!). For the rider there’s danger, of course and so far four have died in accidents. As Eric Blair warns, “Some drivers don’t like us and don’t take much care with us.” On the other hand, some vélibistes have been criticised for their negligent behaviour: jumping lights, ignoring one-way signs and such like. As Eric Blair insists, “Whoever you are – driver, pedestrian... or cyclist – if you don’t follow the rules of the road, you’re asking for it.”

There are established schemes in Marseille and Aix and also in Monaco; several towns on the Coast – including Nice and Cannes – plan to follow suit ... sometime.

From Riviera Reporter Issue 130: Dec 2008/Jan 2009

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