Two Wheels, Shared Solutions

French cities also pioneered bike-sharing, recognizing that the shortest urban trips didn't need motors. Lyon's Vélo'v, launched in 2005, proved large-scale bike-sharing could work. With 4,000 bikes at 340 stations, it made cycling convenient for everyone, not just enthusiasts. The system's success came from density—stations every 300 meters meant bikes were always nearby.

Paris's Vélib', launched in 2007, became the world's most famous bike-sharing system. With 20,000 bikes at 1,800 stations, it transformed Parisian mobility. The robust bikes, designed to survive urban use, featured integrated locks, lights, and baskets. The pricing structure—free for short trips, increasingly expensive for longer use—encouraged circulation rather than hoarding.

Vélib' faced massive challenges. Vandalism rates exceeded 80% annually. Bikes ended up in the Seine, hung from lampposts, or shipped to Eastern Europe. Yet the system persisted, evolving stronger anti-theft measures and better redistribution systems. By making cycling visible and normal, Vélib' changed Parisian transport culture. Bike lanes proliferated. Drivers learned to check for cyclists. A virtuous cycle began.

The latest evolution includes electric bikes, addressing Paris's hills and longer distances. Competitors like Lime and Bird brought dockless scooters, creating new regulatory challenges. French cities responded with innovative governance, designating parking zones and speed limits rather than banning new modes. This pragmatic approach balances innovation with order.