In the wake of Paris' successful Velib program, other European municipalities are taking note and considering similar programs to liberate their inner cities. The European Cyclists' Federation reported at the end of November that London Wants 80,000 Rental Bikes: The City Council of the UK capital has revealed an ambitious scheme to stimulate the use of bikes. Mayor Ken Livingstone has set a target of 80% increase in cycling by 2010. One of the means to reach this target could be the implementation of 80,000 rental bikes. As well, earlier in September, Cycling England the UK's national bicycle planning, advocacy and lobbying organization made public its 86 page research report Valuing the Benefits of Cycling filled with all sorts of great little tidbits:

If a cyclist makes 160 trips a year of 3.9km, rather than take a car, this would equate to savings for other road users of £137.28 a year as a result of reduced congestion in urban areas and £68.64 in rural environments.

There are over 30 million motorists in the UK, some likely stuck in traffic at this very moment. Apparently, cyclists can save them some time and money. I love seeing cycling's monetary, health and environmental benefits made more tangible.

To further the cause and provide more tangible data, Cycling England features its six showpiece cycling towns which are sharing nearly £17 million [$32 million US] to promote cycling:

There are currently four after school cycling clubs in Derby and while there is funding for another five, with the help of Cycling England's funding, Derby plans to increase this number to 27! Derby was the first local authority in the country to have a specific Community Sports Cycle Coach to work with these after school clubs and more coaches are in the pipeline.

I'd say cycling is becoming the way for some towns in the UK. I'm rooting for London to commit to a Velib-like program.

In August, I had the pleasure of spending time in Paris, cycling around, eating, sitting in the parks and marveling at the Velib bikes in use - everywhere, by everyone. The NY Times covers the bicyle revolution in Paris. Read Finding Liberté on Two Wheels.