a great new way to see Paris

The blog French Journal passed along a very interesting bit of news for tourists visiting Paris starting July 15, 2007 (the day after Bastille Day). According to an article in The Washington Post, over 20,000 bikes will become available for rent at nearly 1,500 bike stations all over the city. And the best part? The first half-hour is free!

This should diminish the number of cars on the road, make the metro less crowded, and generally make life more pleasant for everyone. The side benefits are unambiguously good: less pollution, less emissions of greenhouse gases, and less demand for petroleum products.

Imagine pedaling from the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, across the river, through the Louvre, back to the Seine, across to the Ile de la Cite, and finishing at Notre-Dame. A long walk becomes a great bike ride. C'est la vie!


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