Velib' !

Introducing Velib'.  It is a take one / leave one bicycle system with nearly 20,000 bikes at velib stations throughout Paris. Carter and I tried it out last Sun for fun and tooled around our area of Paris for about an hour.  There are at least three stations within a block or so of our apartment.

Today I purchased a velib' ticket to bike to work. It was exhilarating and terrifying, crossing multiple lanes of traffic encircling Paris Opera, with only a bell to notify anyone of my presence. Bikers ride in the bike/bus lane which is especially unnerving when a large bus is barreling down on you. I spent equal time rerouting myself around one way roads and laughing out loud at the sheer fun of it all.

I saw riders in suits and even in short skirts (not sure how that works).  I chose pants - thanks anyway.  A large front wire basket held my laptop bag.

My best guess turns landed me at a station 2 blocks from my office to check in the bike; a big click and green light and I'm on my way.  Another day on the joyride. Go Velib'!