Getting to and from French class at the Alliance Français in Lyon is a question that will face all students. For those living near the school,
walking will be a great option. Other students living further away will be
spoiled for choice by Lyon’s public transport system of metro, trams and buses. Another option to seriously consider is cycling and the public bike system, vélo’v.
Lyon is a great city for biking. There are loads of cycleways, including
dedicated paths, as well as lovely routes such as through the ever-so-green Parc
de la Tête d’Or and along the banks of the sedate Rhône and Saone rivers.
Lyon is a great city for biking. There are loads of cycleways, including
dedicated paths, as well as lovely routes such as through the ever-so-green Parc
de la Tête d’Or and along the banks of the sedate Rhône and Saone rivers.
As I regularly used vélo’v to get to and from French class, two of my fellow
students asked for help in how to use the system. Because other students and
potential students might also have an interest, here are my 10 top tips on
using vélo’v:
1. Using a vélo is
significantly cheaper than other forms of public transport. There are a variety
of ticket options: Short term tickets are €1.50 for one day or €5 for a week.
An annual ticket for €25 is available from the vélo’v website. Other
options are available, such as using your Lyon transport Técély card.
2. If you have a
short-term ticket then you have 30 minutes of riding time before you will be
charged extra. If you don’t want to pay more (for example, €1 for the second 30
minute period) then plan your trips so that you always return the vélo before
the 30 minutes is up. For my vélo ride to French class, for example, I usually
stopped at one vélo station along the way to either refresh or change vélo.
3. Always check the vélo
before you take it. Like anything mechanical, the vélo break down or function
poorly at times. Given the popularity of the system, this is unsurprising.
Basics to check: tyres are not flat; the chain is on; there are pedals; the
lights work; the seat is adjustable; the bell works; and there is a panier with
strap.
4. Avoid certain vélo
stations at certain times. For example,
on weekday mornings the stations around the main train station (Part-Dieu)
become full and it is hard to find a place to park your vélo if you are heading
that way. Stations near the Parc de la Tête d’Or are incredibly popular on a
sunny day, particularly during weekends. At such times there can be a long
queue.
5. If a station is
full or there are no vélo available, look on the computer terminal for nearby
stations. The system will indicate how many vélo are available and there is
usually a local map on the back of the terminal of nearby stations.
6. Get the free vélo’v
map from the tourist information office. The guide overlays every vélo station
on a map of Lyon. It is very handy for planning your trip and reducing stress
levels should your preferred station be full. The map also shows good cycling
routes. If you have a smartphone, download the vélo’v app, which includes real
time information on vélo availability.
7. Information and
instructions on the computer terminals is available in multiple languages
including French and English. More details are available on the vélo’v website. Be aware that the touch screens on the computer terminals don’t always
work very well. Sometimes the touch function is unresponsive, while other times
a screen may be damaged, or possibly affected by direct sunlight. Be persistent
and avoid any known problem stations. If your French is good enough, report the
problem to vélo’v.
8. Keep a close eye on
your vélo! The system puts a €150 block on your credit card, with the amount liable
to be deducted if you lose the vélo or it is stolen. Likewise, be sure to
return your vélo properly. If the vélo is not fitted correctly into the docking
station, you are likewise liable for the €150 charge. To make doubly sure of a
correct return, get a printed return card from the computer terminal. It will
help you sleep better.
9. Wear a helmet! It
doesn’t appear to be mandatory in Lyon, but for the protection of your head, it
is worth taking this extra precaution.
10. If you are planning
to be in Lyon for longer than a couple of months, then consider buying your own
vélo. In many ways, using your own vélo is easier than navigating the vélo’v
system. You will be able to extend your range beyond the vélo’v system
boundaries; the vélo will be set up how you like it; and you can potentially
recoup some of your initial costs by selling your vélo later. That being said,
vélo’v is a terrific asset for Lyon. Make the most of it while you are in the
city and happy biking!
