Paris and the Power of Bike Commuting
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Last time I was in Paris, it seemed like everyone was getting around town on a shared bike. Velib, the program that runs the scheme, just released some spicy statistics that seem to support the popularity of bike sharing:
- Trips to date: 20 million
- Average trips/day: 70,000
- 190,000 annual pass holders
- 42% of users are female, 58% are male
- 94% of users like the service
This isn’t a surprise: bike commuting is the bomb. We all know it’s better for the planet and better for our bodies, but biking is also good for our health, and I’m not just talking about the fat-burning, booty-busting kind of health. Cycling is also good for the noggin’ (I’m guessing those 94% of satisfied Velib customers are as happy with the ride as they are with the service).
Case in point: Ali of The Office Diet had “one of those days” yesterday and one of the things that helped her get her stress under control was cycling home from work (despite the rain!):
Having an “active” commute, rather than taking the bus or train, really helps me to separate home and work. If I’ve had the sort of day that leaves my mind buzzing, a twenty-minute spin on the bike calms me down and helps me to relax before I get back to the flat. Even if you have to drive to work, try going for a quick walk when you get home – it’ll help you to banish any lingering work worries.
I know this doesn’t help the folks who rely on a car and a highway to get them to work, but surely more cities can take the clue from Paris: Happy cycling makes happy citizens! I know it’s made me and Ali a lot happier. How about you?
Rental bikes in brussels
Bike Share Love [Tredzblog]
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