Has anybody else noticed all those grey bicycles in Paris? Visitors to Paris fashion week this month will see a whole new Paris look - shiny, a chic grey, and with only two wheels, it is sure to impress?!
On a recent trip to Paris I was surprised and intrigued by all the identical grey bicycles that seemed to have taken over the city. It was only when I came upon a nest of these bicycles on a street corner that I realised they were in fact self-service rental bikes!Bertrand Delanoë, the city’s mayor, and his green-minded gang are delighted with the initial popularity of these bicycles - "Freedom Bikes" or "Velib". Indeed, the scheme has caught the attention of many, including some who hope Paris may become a model for other major cities. Among those who have taken a keen interest in the project is Mr. Ken Livingston, Mayor of London who felt compelled to cross the channel so as he might witness the Velib phenomenon for him self (I only hope he took the train!). London has won a bit of socialist oil thanks to Chavez cozying up with Ken, we have won the Olympics, might we now get bicycles? With the Olympic rivalry now settled could we see London following the example of Paris's socialist administration? Could self service bikes be coming to a street near you!
The Parisian Velib system is run by J C Decaux, one of the worlds leading advertisers and the company responsible for most of the street furniture you ever used, things like bus stops etc. This makes Velib a whole different kettle of fish from the idealist dutch bike sharing schemes of the sixties etc. since J C Decaux will bring the the ruthlesness of self interest to bear on the legistical issues which are the practical upshot of this socialist dream. Interestingly, as the latest in street furniture, bicycles have become a point of intense competition for global advertising giants J C Decaux and major competitor Clear Channel (US company). Such competition has to be healthy for us, but ultimately it is how the deals are structured that will decide whether the schemes suceed or fail. The more risk is carried by municipal authorities, the more likely we are to see these giant advertising companies pocket cash while municipal governments foot the bill. The steeper the competition, the greater the temptation for companies to exagerate the achievable in a an attempt to better a rivals tendour. Success of existing schemes clearly demonstrates however, that Velib like schemes can really stand a chance.
Questions:
Structure of deals?
List of cities with similar schemes? Lyon etc.
List of cities developing such schemes? Vienna, Dublin etc.
How do such schemes impact on bicycle businesses? Do they risk putting pressure on bicycle shops, and bicyle hire and repair shops? Or is it a different market meaning that canibalisation will be minimal?
Links
Velib Web Site
http://www.velib.paris.fr/
Cycling.tv - City Bike Schemes
http://cycling.tv/extras/features/international-city-bike-schemes
Ken looks at radical new plans for cycling in London
http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=13253
Fellow Blogger: .everyday social democracy
http://everydaysocialdemocracy.blogspot.com/2007/08/campaign-to-bring-velib-to-paris.html
Advert
Bike hire and repair in Paris by my friend. See website for details.
Allovelo
http://www.allovelo.com/boutique/index.html
