Feel that Queen beat and pedal those feet!

If you’re like me, you love a good, spring—fall biking season. It’s the perfect way to feel the wind in your hair and experience the natural beauty around us. (My personal favorite is a mix of paved and natural trail riding.)



Unfortunately, not everyone has their own bicycle. So what are they to do when they’d like to curb their carbon emissions and get a little exercise at the same time? Well, how about renting a bike?

That could work. And it does. Paris and Portland are great examples.

According to an August 3, 2007 Seattle Times article, “The Velib"—short for "free bike"—program launched in Paris in July has been a runaway success for Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, enabling thousands of Parisians and visitors to pedal to work, shops and sights…

“Some 616,000 users have signed up to be able to pick up (and drop off) bikes at more than 750 points in Paris for daily subscriptions of 1 euro. About 10,000 bikes are already in place, and Velib' is to double in size by the end of the year with around 20,000 of the sturdy, gray-green bikes and 1,450 pick-up points.

“The first half-hour is free, which organizers believe will cover most users, though longer journeys are possible on a mounting scale of charges. For sign-ups and information, see www.velib.paris.fr/ (in French only).”

Portland thought Paris had it right, and decided to get in on the action too.

What if each of us could get our cities to join in the cause? Imagine the difference that could make.

What do you think Greenopolis readers?

By Gingerly Green of Two Girls Go Green