Rick Steves Shares What It Means If You See A Rentable Bike In Paris With Its Seat Turned Backward

Parisian cyclists have formed a community with its own codes and small courtesies. Biking around is one of the best ways to experience the city like a Parisian, and the extensive rentable bike system is an affordable and practical option to get rolling. Word to the wise, when you are picking your wheels at the docking rack, you'll want to skip any bike that has its seat turned backward. European travel expert and TV host, Rick Steves, explained what this symbolizes. "Remember that a seat turned backwards indicates a broken bike," he wrote in a blog post on his website. This simple but clear visual cue indicates that the previous rider found something wrong with the bicycle and is kindly flagging it for the benefit of future users and the maintenance crew.

The City of Light features more than 620 miles of cycling lanes, and the bike-share network known as Vélib' offers both traditional (blue) bikes, and electric-assisted (green) bikes. Within the city limits there are more than 20,000 rentable bikes, of which 40% are electric. Velib' promises that wherever you end up on your Parisian explorations, you'll never be more than 330 yards away from their nearest docking station. Lime and Dott e-bikes have also become available to rent, so there's no shortage of opportunities to explore the city on two wheels.

Cycling is not only an environmentally friendly way to cover a lot of territory if you are on a budget, it is also such a fun thing to do ​​on a solo trip to Paris. A single-use Vélib' ticket starts at $3.40 (at today's exchange rate), which allows 45 minutes of use of a blue or green bike. Additional time is charged at $1.13 for the next 30 minutes, and $2.60 for each additional half-hour after that. Even more affordable are the day passes at $5.70 for 24-hours for a regular bike or $11.30 for an e-bike, or the three-day pass at $20 for both blue and green bikes.

Similar to single tickets, day passes also have a time-limit per ride, which varies between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type of bike and pass duration, before additional charges apply. Day passes have an advantage, however, in that as long as you pass is still valid, you can simply return your bike before the initial time limit, and check out a new one to reset the clock and avoid extra fees. Occasionally you may find that your new fresh bike has a flat tire, a seat that won't adjust, or brakes that don't feel quite right. Not to worry. Simply return your bike and grab another, just remember to flip the seat backward. Your thoughtful gesture will save the next user some time and aggravation. Congratulations, you are now part of the growing Parisian cycling family.

While many Parisians ride personal bikes, they also favor Vélib' city-bikes — they are not just for tourists. It is common to see sharply dress bikers zooming past in their smart suits, flowing foulards, and even high heels. Paris is a major European capital, after all, and cycling Parisians are pressed for time on their way to work, their next appointment, or their happy hour apéritif. When you are on your bike the same rules of the road apply (and failures to comply can be fined) just as if you were driving your car. In addition, bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, in pedestrian-only areas, or in enclosed gardens. There is an exception for children under eight, and children under 12 must wear a helmet.

Getting on your bike in the city can be a little intimidating at first. For a pleasant route to ease into the Parisian rules of the road, Paris je t'aime recommends four enjoyable cycling itineraries, such as the classic Paris along the Seine. You can stop as often as you like, and venture out as far as you dare, starting off at the Champs-Élysées, through Place de la Concorde, and past the Louvre Museum all the way to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Some sections along the banks of the Seine are open to pedestrians and bikes only, the ideal terrain for a first time on your Parisian saddle. Another useful tool to plan your route and to find the nearest docking station is the free Velib' app. Just remember that cramming too many activities on your visit to Paris can be a mistake, so listen to your instinct and go at your own pace. No pressure.