Getting Around a French City by Bike
Rent a shared bike, ride the cycle lanes, lock up safely and get a puncture fixed at the bike shop.
Big French cities have bike-share schemes: Vélib' in Paris, Vélo'v in Lyon, V3 in Bordeaux, with day passes or a cheap yearly subscription. Many one-way streets allow bikes both ways (double-sens cyclable), and a small sign at some traffic lights lets cyclists turn right or go straight on red if the way is clear. Lights are compulsory at night, a helmet is only compulsory for children under 12, and bike theft is common, so people use a solid U-lock (antivol en U).
- 1
Comment ça marche, les Vélo'v ?
How does the bike-share work?
- 2
Faut télécharger l'appli.
You need to download the app.
- 3
Ce vélo a un pneu crevé.
This bike has a flat tyre.
- 4
La selle est trop basse.
The saddle is too low.
- 5
Il y a une piste cyclable ?
Is there a cycle lane?
- 6
On prend la piste le long du Rhône.
Let's take the cycle lane along the river.
- 7
Attention, une voiture !
Watch out, a car!
- 8
Les vélos peuvent rouler dans les deux sens ici ?
Can bikes go both ways in this street?
- 9
On peut passer au rouge ici ?
Can we go on red here?
Tip: Some lights have a small sign allowing it for bikes.
- 10
Roule pas sur le trottoir.
Don't ride on the pavement.
- 11
Allume tes lumières, il commence à faire nuit.
Turn on your lights, it's getting dark.
- 12
Tu mets un casque ?
Do you wear a helmet?
- 13
Je peux attacher mon vélo où ?
Where can I lock my bike?
- 14
Prends un antivol en U, on vole beaucoup de vélos.
Use a U-lock, bikes get stolen a lot.
- 15
Y a plus de place à la station.
There are no free docks at the station.
- 16
J'ai crevé.
I have a puncture.
- 17
Vous pouvez réparer mon vélo ?
Can you fix my bike?
- 18
Les freins marchent mal.
The brakes don't work well.
- 19
Il sera prêt demain.
It'll be ready tomorrow.
- 20
C'est plus rapide que le métro !
It's quicker than the metro!