All you need to know about cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games
In the summer of 2024, Paris will host the Olympic Games for the third time in history. Athletes and spectators from all around the world will come to witness the events and festivities. Of course, there's plenty more to do in Paris. The French capital is known as a very cultural city. Whether you are visiting to see the emblematic monuments or shopping at the Westfield Forum des Halles, you may be wondering how to get around Paris during the Olympic Games. It's no secret that the city will be very busy this summer. Cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games can be an exciting way to get around. Let's take a look at all the practical information.
Getting around Paris by bike during the Olympic Games
What better way to explore Paris than to bike around the City of Light? Get to the Olympic events while enjoying the sights of Paris's most emblematic monuments. Cycling in Paris has become much easier in recent years. The city has installed dedicated bike lanes and widened bus corridors. Cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games makes it easier to cheer on your favorite men and women athletes. However, Paris will be very busy, so you need to be prepared before you hit the road.
Bike lanes in Paris to visit the emblematic capital
Paris launched a massive expansion plan for a citywide network of bike lanes. The expansion was finally completed in 2020. Some areas of the city are reserved exclusively for bicycles, city buses and taxis. So, get on your bike and enjoy the view from the Canal Saint-Martin. Thanks to the expansion plan, almost all major roads now have bike lanes.
On the roads this summer you will notice two main lanes, a one red and one blue. The red lane has concrete barriers to protect the zone from traffic. The blue lane is shared with cars. If you'd like a detailed map of the existing bike lanes, check out this map. The red lanes are the existing bike lanes, the orange lanes are the temporary bike lanes, and the gray lanes are the work in progress.
Bike lanes in Paris for the Olympic Games
Paris promises that all Olympic venues will be accessible by bike. Nearly 30 kilometers of bike lanes will be installed in Paris for the Games. All of these routes will be signposted. These new routes will be maintained after the event and will become part of everyday life for Parisians.
Getting a bike on public transport in Paris during the Olympic Games
Bicycles can be carried on Transilien and RER trains, but not during rush hours. The Métro line 1 is only open to bikes on Sundays until 4.30 p.m. However, public transportation in Paris will be overcrowded during the Olympic Games. We advise you not to use the public transport with your bike this summer. Bicycles are not allowed on buses.
The different security and traffic zones around Paris during the Olympic Games
During the Olympic Games, a red perimeter and a blue perimeter will be set up around all Olympic venues. The blue perimeter allows cars to pass, but only if they have a permit to do so. If you're cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games, you'll be able to enter both perimeters.
How do I get a bike in Paris during the Olympic Games?
If you like biking and want to see Paris this way, it's possible. There are two services in the capital: Vélib and Véligo. You'll be able to rent a bike and get to the Olympic venues or just take a long stroll along the Canal-Saint-Martin.
Ride your bike in Paris during the Olympic Games with Vélib
For the Olympic Games, Paris will deploy an additional 3,000 Vélib bikes throughout the city. In total, 22,000 Vélib bikes are available for rent in the French capital. To find a bike to rent, all you have to do is download the Vélib app and find out where you can rent a bike. To rent a Vélib bike, you need to buy a pass from 24 hours to 3 days.
Cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games with Véligo
Do you love cycling but are afraid that cycling in Montmartre is too hard? Try Véligo! It's an electric bike rental service in Paris. For the Olympic Games, Paris will allow tourists to rent these bikes for one or two months rentals. Also, different types of electric bikes are available!
Where to park a bike in the capital during the Olympic Games?
As mentioned above, cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games is a great way to visit the city. The French capital has done everything to facilitate cyclists. Paris has planned additional parking facilities during the Olympic events.
The free parking bike in Paris during the Olympic Games
You don't want to spend money on parking in Paris. Don't worry! The capital has thought of everything to make life easier for tourists. Paris has created 10,000 temporary parking spaces. The bike racks are installed near the venues and are free of charge.
The secured bike parking in Paris during the Olympic Games
If you're cycling in Paris during the Olympic Games, you may want to have access to a secure bike park. To get access to this secured bike park, you'll need a Navigo pass or season ticket. It's easy, all you have to do is apply for the pass or card on the Ile-de-France Mobilités website.
Please note that if you're cycling with a child, a number of accessories are mandatory: helmets, high-visibility vests, signaling devices, and warning signals. You now know all the information you need to cycle in Paris during the Olympic Games.
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