Just read a most depressing article in the NY Times: Reality Proves a Setback for Cheap Bike Rentals in Paris: I realize that the Zurich program is on a much smaller scale, but have similar vandalism problems cropped up?

There were similar stories about Paris' Vélib program going around several months ago. Bikeradar.com ran an article that suggested that the reports were sensationalizing what is essentially a small and expected problem. The media articles were spurred by some statements made by an executive of the advertising agency JCDecaux, who have a 10-year contract with the city of Paris to run the program. The city of Paris doesn't believe that the problem is so big, and believes that the statements were an attempt to get more money from the city:

Read the Bikeradar article here.

I read this front page article too - i am French, lived abroad almost 20 continuous years in law-abiding countries (UK - at the time -, US, now CH). It is reports like this that make me loathe my country, although I have lots of ties and good things to say about it. That and : the trashing of university centers during the student strikes, the burning of kindergarten and libraries during the banlieues riots, the lawless police no-go projects areas in the suburbs, the threats to blow up factories or pollute rivers over labor conflicts, etc and so on. I feel ashamed of my country for those aspects.

Velib is a super program that brings only benefits to all, tourists, visitors, residents, workers, city alike. There is something wrong in the collective psyche when this is taken with a shrug, and , if you were to poll the population, a collective assent that the city bzw JC Decaux (the operator), a large company, just have to bear and grin because they have the money.

Sorry for the rant, but I really expect to find velibs in working order next time I am over in Paris. I was using the Seilbahns here and reflecting to myself that in Paris or other large city in France, the Seilbahn would last about 2 weeks before being badly vandalized (cable damaged, dangerous obstructions on the rails, car destroyed).

Hopefully the Zurich free bikes are not in danger. It's very cheerful to see people toodling around on them. I've used one myself and the system seems pretty secure: I had to sign the bike out from a manned station, and they took both a 20 CHF deposit and my passport information.

Good to know that the Paris Vélib program may not be in trouble after all. Thanks from saving us from despair ChrisW!

I can persoanally vouch for that. During my very recent trip to Paris, where I have also had the privilage to live for over 4 years, there were no shortage of bikes except in popular rental spots.