CRITICAL SAFETY GEAR - YAKKAY HELMET!
One of the most surprising revelations about Paris transportation, is that a bicycle makes all the difference! It is efficiency, exercise, and enjoyment all at once. The Velib bicycle rental system, though I encountered a few occasional glitches (stories for another day), is the best thing since unsliced baguettes. Stations located throughout the city make it possible to jump on a bike, ride to another station, and leave the bike while strolling through Place de Vosges or getting groceries. When finished, walk to the nearest location, (usually less than three blocks away), throw your picnic supplies in the basket and pick up another to ride home. Total cost per year? about $45.00!(That is, if you keep each jaunt to under 30 minutes - usually easily done.)
Bike-sharing systems such as Velib in Paris exist in major cities worldwide and 2012 is expected to see much expansion in North America. Good news for sustainable transportation!
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