Paris public transport has always been stellar, with an tight network of subway (métro) stations, commuter rail (RER/SNCF), and buses that can can get you within spitting distance of anywhere in the city, quickly and economically.  But the implementation of the Velib bike-sharing program two years ago put Paris public transport a whole other level, by any measure--ecological, economic, public health, noise pollution, etc.

There are over 10,000 Velibs parked at over 1000 parking spots across the city.  For a euro or day, or 5 euros a week, or 29 euros a year, you get an unlimited number of rentals lasting 30 minutes.  Thirty minutes is enough to get you from Drupalcon to almost anywhere downtown.  Need 45 minutes to bike somewhere?  No problem, just find a Velib parking lot (they are rarely more than 200m away), park the bike you're riding, and pick up a new one.  You could daisy chain your rides all day if you wanted to...

In Toronto, where i live, you'd be lucky to find bike rental for less than $100/week.  That's a 90% savings!  Luckily, this system is spreading elsewhere, all over Europe, and into places like Montreal.  Even NYC is experimenting with it.

OK, i can hear some of you saying "you'd have to be crazy to bike in a city like Paris".  But once you're there, you'll see all kinds of people riding these bikes, from seniors, to kids, to women in high heels, to men in fancy suits and fancy leather shoes.  Bike lanes are everywhere, tho sometimes shared taxis or buses, and occasionally invaded by mopeds.  The biggest trick is navigating the one-way streets.  But once you get a hold of a few of the "grand axes" (the boulevards or big avenues) you'll have no problem. 

Important for North Americans

YOU'LL NEED A CARD WITH A CHIP, aka  a "smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC)".   Such cards are also useful in restaurants and commuter train stations (where most of the machines do not accept chip-less cards).  I believe American Express cards all work in the Velib machines (maybe the only real benefit of Amex i would ever use?).

Tips for choosing a Velib

There are issues with busted bikes.  Before choosing one, check the following, in order of priority:

• the bike stand has a green light
• the bike saddle is facing forward (a backwards facing seat is code for "busted") 
• no flat tires
• squeeze the brake levers
• lift the back wheel by grabbing the seat and spin the pedals,  see that the backwheel spins

More info about the Velib program

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velib
• Velib iPhone app City of Paris Velib website (will help you find a Velib parking lot).
• Great set of NYT articles about Velibs

Sidenote to the DrupalCon organziers

if we can get a field trip going to the Velib headquarters, where they remotely track the movements of all the bikes and organize their relocation and maintenance needs, i would be the first to sign up!