Velib

Theft and Vandalism Threaten One of World's Largest Bike-Share Systems

With 12,000 docking stations, Paris' expansive Velib system is the envy of cities across the world. But last year it lost 9,000 bikes to theft or vandalism. Its admirable ambition is threatening the functionality of the entire system.

September 27, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

What's Behind Bike Share's Skyrocketing Growth?

Earth Policy Institute's bike share charts allow readers to compare bike share programs in the U.S., now numbering 34 with 18,000 bikes. As impressive as it is, a comparison with bike share programs abroad put the numbers in perspective.

September 4, 2013 - Earth Policy Institute

Bike-Sharing Is Safer Than Riding Your Own Bike

In city after city, cyclists are hit, injured, and killed less often when using bike-sharing than when riding their personal bicycles.

June 16, 2011 - Streetsblog

Theft Apparently Not a Problem for Bike-Sharing Programs in the U.S.

Bike-sharing can't seem to shake its reputation for being a crime magnet, as in Paris. But here in the United States, theft and vandalism simply haven't emerged as problems, says Noah Kazis.

November 29, 2010 - Streetsblog

First Bikes, Now Paris Wants to Share Cars

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe has announced a plan to initiate a citywide car-sharing system, building on the success of the city's popular bike sharing program.

August 13, 2009 - Der Spiegel

San Francisco's Bike Sharing Program Slow to Get Rolling

Environmental review processes and logistical issues are delaying the creation of a bike sharing program in San Francisco, announced in February by Mayor Gavin Newsom. Set to start with 50 bikes, some have criticized the program for aiming too low.

April 30, 2009 - The Contra Costa Times

Bike Sharing, C'est Bien en Paris

Jay Walljasper writes that bike-sharing programs are transforming life in European cities from Oslo to Rome, Barcelona to Vienna, and giving visitors a great new way to sightsee.

March 7, 2009 - NWA Traveler

Vélib Not Going Anywhere

A BBC story on Paris's groundbreaking bike-share system greatly exaggerates the threat posed by theft and vandalism.

February 13, 2009 - Streetsblog

Paris Bike System Plagued By Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism have crippled the citywide bike rental system in Paris, leaving operator JCDecaux uncertain of the increasingly expensive program's future.

February 10, 2009 - BBC

Why San Francisco's Bike Sharing Plan Won't Work

This piece from Streetsblog San Francisco looks at the city's recently announced plans for a bike sharing program and why the 50-bike pilot is likely to fail.

February 7, 2009 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Bikes in the World Today

This three-part series from the BBC looks at bicycles in the modern world -- from Paris to Uganda to India.

February 3, 2009 - BBC

Bike-Sharing Comes to D.C.

Based on Paris' Velib bike-share program, private sponsorship will support SmartBike in Washington, DC. For a $40 annual membership fee, SmartBike users can check out three-speed bicycles for three hours at a time.

April 29, 2008 - The New York Times

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