Monday, February 4, 2013

L'homme et le Vélib


2012 Oct 8 Monday_181DSC_9293-b


zoom-zoom


The streets of Paris are full of bicycle commuters, 
and one sees many of the rental bikes (Vélibs) utilized.  
They come equipped with a lock, an ample basket, 
easily adjustable seat, three gears, hand brakes, and... 
a bell.


With a Navigo pass, a simple swipe of the card and you are good to go.  
For a tourist, there are a few more steps, 
but still easy and inexpensive when you understand how it is charged.


How do I know?

brrrring, brrrrring! 



Vélib on Rue de Vaugirard
75006, Paris

23 comments:

Randy said...

Interesting looking bike. Nice shot.

Sylvia K said...

I think that's terrific!! Great looking bike! We could surely do with less cars on our streets in Seattle, that's for certain! Have a lovely beginning to your week, Genie!

Hugs,
Sylvia

Anonymous said...

He looks like Einstein!

Great idea. We have bikes you can borrow here in Sweden too.

TheChieftess said...

Fun!!! Though not too practical in snow country!!!

Lisa Graham said...

I have heard that this was done in Paris and have always thought it was such a brilliant idea. Your photo is charming.

Joe said...

Love the technique in this shot Genie. Just the right amount of motion and your subject is nice and clear. Black and white suits it perfectly. What a great way to navigate Paris. Cheers from J.

Vreni said...

I love to vélib through Paris, but I prefer to do it in the late evening when the streets are empty.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Genie:
What a simply wonderful, and fun, way to travel around Paris. How we should love this, weaving in and out of the traffic, doubtless at our own peril, as we progress from one landmark site to another.

Alain said...

Bernard-Henri Levy ?

Andy said...

I hope is long coat does not get caught up in the spokes.

*Pearls on a string** Dorthe said...

Great catch!

M said...

I need another chance on the velibs now that you have the system figured out! Ready to zoom-zoom with you! Love this B&W shot!

Cezar and Léia said...

This bike is a fabulous idea, I think people use it a lot in Paris.
I like your picture, it's beautiful!
Léia

Daryl said...

i can't imagine riding a bike in traffic in any city .. too scary for moi

brattcat said...

wonderful shot.

Virginia said...

A little hard to do with an umbrella in your hand! I love his "duster"!
V

Laërte said...

Faire du vélo dans Paris est terrifiant, et je n'ai jamais osé me lancer depuis que les Vélib existent.
Et pourtant, dans ma jeunesse, je le faisais, mais le trafic était plus sage.

Photos by Stan said...

Excellent panning -- almost perfect.

Alexa said...

He certainly looks like a satisfied customer. Great shot, Genie (and next time I'm in Paris, that's how I'm getting around)!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Alain, peut-être. Il a les cheveux parfait, n'est-ce pas?

Daryl, the traffic in Paris is not as bad as in US cities and the large streets have bike lanes. However, I would not consider the roundabout at Place Charles de Gualle!

Marie, alons-y!

Ladyfi - He does resemble another philosopher as Alain suggests, too.

Michel, I understand, but there are areas and times of day which are perfect for riding. Very early and in the evenings are better as Vreni suggests. An intimate knowledge of the Paris map is essential.

Thank you for your comments - wishes for a great week for each of you.

Bises,
Genie

Oakland Daily Photo said...

He looks like a modern day musketeer on a velo rather than a horse. All for one, one for all!

beatrice De said...

Je n'oserais jamais circuler en vélo à Paris, encore moins en voiture.
Je devais aller à Noisy le Sec, dans la banlieue immédiate de Paris, amener des livres et du chocolat à des amis. Un vrais cauchemar ! Plus jamais ça !
En plus, pour parfaire le rêve épouvantable, je n'ai aucun sens de l'orientation !
Si vous saviez combien de km. j'ai fait en trop sur les routes de France... en me trompant... même, de direction pour aller participer aux championnats d'orpaillage. Là, je suis obligée d'y aller en voiture, avec tout le *bazard d'orpailleuse : les bottes, les batées, les vêtements... les boîtes de chocolat...

Mes amis parisiens disent que je connais mieux la France qu'eux. Pas malin, quand ils ne sont pas en Inde ou ailleurs, ils vont toujours à la même place dans leur maison, pas loin de Rocamadour.

beatrice De said...

A Paris, je circule sur des km. à pied. C'est le meilleur moyen de découvrir.
Un jour je suis descendu de la grande Arche jusqu'à la Tour Effel... à pied. Chaque fois que je voyais une bouche de métro... encore une, encore une...

Un jour une copine me dit * j'aimerais bien aller avec toi à Paris * OK, mais je t'avertis, je marche ! Pas de problème. Vue qu'elle est plus âgée, nous avions déjà pas mal marché pendant la journée, je lui demande * veux-tu que nous prenions le métro pour aller à l'hôtel. * Non je marche !*.