As a daily Vélib' user from day one, I'll add some insights a one-time user may have missed: * It's often the fastest way to get to another point less than ~5k

As a daily Vélib' user from day one, I'll add some insights a one-time user may have missed: * It's often the fastest way to get to another point less than ~5km away. * You quickly notice how most of the traffic regulation is only designed for cars. * You have a much better visibility of the traffic (with a correctly adjusted saddle) than a car driver. * Maneuverability and standing start acceleration (the first seconds) are also way above the average car, so if you're used to it, you'll easily make your way in the congested traffic. * It's common practice to run red lights or stop signs (hence the first point). There's some debate about allowing the "turn right" but we're still waiting. Still, we're not crazy but you quickly notice it makes no sense at all to stop & start a 20kg bike every 100 meters at a pedestrian crossing with obviously no pedestrians waiting or at road junction with no incoming traffic. * Most bike lanes are overrun by clueless pedestrians. * European cities like Paris predate cars and are more dense with smaller streets which feel much safer than higway-like american streets. Crossing the place de l'étoile ain't for every vélib user - http://youtu.be/lay8aZlsbB0 http://youtu.be/lay8aZlsbB0 - but it's funny to do it.