I’ve always loved biking. I’ve been fortunate to do it all over the world. When given a choice of where to bike, remote open roads with ocean, lake or mountain vistas, wins my heart every time. Concrete jungles filled with street traffic and pedestrians have been traditionally non-friendly places to ride a bike. However, that’s changing quickly as various cities and countries invest in biking infrastructure.
Today, city bike programs around the world have become wildly popular and I’m a huge fan for the following five reasons.
1. Quicker – I’m constantly amazed how efficient some cities are when it comes to their metro systems. New York & Paris are two of the best. If you don’t trust Google’s bike versus NYC’s MTA or Paris’ Metro, take a look at this. For almost a decade NYC held an annual commuter race between bike, car and train – the bike won every time.
2. Cheaper – If you live in a city with a bike program, getting a yearly membership is sometimes cheaper than a monthly subway pass. If you’re visiting a city with a bike program, consider a day pass versus a single use so you can get the most out of it.
3. More Interesting – In places like Paris and New York, you’ll see a lot more and get your bearings quicker by using the local bike program. In Paris for instance, AmericanConcierge.com offers free bike passes when you book two or more private tours. Our concierges will even take you to and from their unique tours via bike if you like.
4. Healthier – Simple enough to say it’s free exercise and the benefits of daily cardio are indisputable. Specifically, biking has proven to help prevent serious diseases such as stroke, heart attach some cancers, and arthritis. (more info here)
5. Carbon Neutral – If you need a final excuse, think of the environment. Cities generate a lot of pollution, especially with cars in standstill traffic. Hop on a bike and reduce the carbon footprint of your city and the ones you visit.
Written by: Michael Carr, Marketing & Client Success of AmericanConcierge.com
MADISON AND RICH SHOW YOU HOW TO USE THE CITY BIKESHARE (VELIB) PROGRAM IN PARIS.
If you do get out there and ride, a word of caution: heed traffic signs, watch out for cars opening their doors, stay in the bike lane, and of course, don’t forget to kick the tires before you hop on!
See the classic sights of Paris with this collection of Private Tours and other experiences. Great for New Travelers.
Some parts of France can’t be put into a 2 or 3-hour tour and some just take a while to get to. Venture out of Paris on an exciting Day Trip.
Experience some of the most significant works of art in Paris on a Private Art Tour. Learn about the story’s of the painters behind the works and ask questions along the way.
Taste the latest Paris Food experiences with our personal and tasty private food tours. Learn to make authentic Parisian meals, taste chocolate assortments, or…
From perfume to WW2, our private history tours are a way to see Paris in a different light.
Experience immersive music tours in Paris. Sit and listen up close to an award-winning Master Pipe Organist or learn about the history of Jazz in Paris on a private tour!
Looking for something particular? We’ll help you find it in Paris. Our private shopping tours include Antiques, Wardrobe, and more!
The Château de Fontainebleau, just 35 miles southeast of central Paris, can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls. The chateau dates back to 1137—and centuries of royals have expanded this former royal hunting lodge to a more than 1,500-room estate. Most of what you’ll see dates back to the 16th century, a combination of Italian Renaissance art and French design, these rooms are some of the most intricate and breathtaking in France. If times allows, you can enjoy lunch in this charming area.
Tour Length: 5 – 6 hours
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