Velib mechanics by bike

Probably the biggest challenge of running a bike share program of Paris' scale is maintaining all those bikes. I don't envy JC Decaux that job! In fact, Thomas told me that without maintaince, it would take 10 days for all the bikes in the system to be broken.

To do this daunting task, they have an elaborate system involving mechanic bikes, trucks and a barge on the Seine. Each maintenance vehicle is customized for the purpose. This post shows the special mechanic bikes used to ride around the city and make small fixes. Most (80%) repairs are done by bike. These mechanics visit every bike station twice a day. They represent about half (70) of all maintenance employees (140) working on the system.


This one has customized panniers that carry tool boxes:


This one carries parts in a trailer: