Bike Utah Valley

In Paris, a bicycle called Vélib’ (a contraction of velo – bicycle, and liberté – liberty) is becoming a hot item. Available for rent at various stations throughout the city, the bike project is actually a huge money-maker for its owner, and an advertising opportunity for everyone else. You can read about it here.

Velib' bikes, lined up and ready to rent (image courtesy of the New York Times)

Some downsides still exist, such as the high number of thefts of the bicycles as well as a few deaths. It is still a large, busy city, so cyclists must be that much more defensive and careful. Not to downplay the seriousness of these incidents, but the Vélib’ project is doing a lot to solve some of Paris’ transportation problems.

“Bicycles become fashionable, and the more bikes there are in a city, the safer it is, and the more the city will give space to bicyclists,” Mr. Pheulpin said.

What’s amazing to me is that the city has managed to make cycling on a 50-pound bike a fashionable thing to do. What do you think, could an entrepreneur here in Provo or Orem do the same thing?