Paris, April 26 – Sixty participants gathered yesterday evening, Saturday, April 25, at the Bois de Vincennes for a unique Vélib’ race, part of the larger Vélo In Paris event. The competition, held within the Floral Park, aimed to showcase the fun and versatility of the city’s self-service bicycles.
Inaugural Vélib’ Race a Resounding Success
Organized for the first time, this innovative race transformed the alleys of the Floral Park of Bois de Vincennes into a temporary cycling circuit. From 7 PM to 11 PM, participants navigated the course, with initial heats determining the fastest riders who then advanced to a final round.
Félix Picaud, co-founder of the event, expressed his delight at the turnout and enthusiasm. “We sold out all registrations in four hours,” Picaud told Actu Paris, highlighting the significant public interest. Each participant paid 20 euros to join, while spectators enjoyed the event free of charge.
Making Vélib’ More Engaging
The primary goal behind this unconventional race was to make Vélib’ bikes more “playful” and to “de-compartmentalize” their use, as explained by the co-founder. Smovengo, the operator of the Vélib’ service, provided approximately twenty bikes for the event, along with all necessary helmets, ensuring participant safety.
The event was conceived by the Vélib’racing collective, established in 2024, which advocates for a more unconventional approach to cycling. Their vision aligns with the broader objectives of the Vélo In Paris event, which featured over 100 exhibitors and allowed hundreds of people to test various types of bicycles.
Vélo In Paris: A Hub for Cycling Enthusiasts
The Vélib’ race served as a highlight of the Vélo In Paris event, which is dedicated to promoting cycling in all its forms. By integrating a casual, yet competitive, element using public bicycles, organizers hope to encourage more Parisians and visitors to utilize the Vélib’ service for both leisure and daily commutes.
This initiative comes at a time when Vélib’s public service faces certain challenges. Recent reports indicate a significant number of Vélib’ bikes disappearing each week, with approximately 640 bikes going missing – three times the normal rate. Public statements from the managing body have highlighted that while these are only a few fraudsters, it is enough to disrupt the system.
Future Outlook for Vélib’ and Cycling in Paris
Despite operational challenges, events like the Vélib’ race demonstrate a strong public appetite for cycling in Paris. The success of this race suggests a potential for more community-focused and engaging uses of the city’s bike-sharing system. Organizers are likely to consider similar events in the future to further promote cycling and enhance the user experience of Vélib’.
The emphasis on making Vélib’ more “playful” could be a strategic move to re-engage users and foster a greater sense of ownership and responsibility within the cycling community, potentially mitigating issues like bike disappearances.
The Vélo In Paris event, with its diverse offerings and this innovative race, reinforces Paris’s commitment to being a bike-friendly city, encouraging sustainable transportation and active lifestyles among its residents and visitors.
Source: https://www.cnews.fr/france/2026-04-26/paris-une-course-de-velib-accueille-60-participants-au-bois-de-vincennes-1852480?amp
