Freecycling in Paris

I have just spent two days happily cycling around Paris on the new "Velibs" (freedom bikes) that have just been installed there. Inevitably there were a few teething problems. The first day, a sunny Sunday, it was impossible to find a bike in many parts of Paris. The second day, a wet Monday, it was impossible to find an empty stand to return a borrowed bike to. But globally it's been a huge success.

It just goes to show what politicians can do when they put their minds to it. Two years ago the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, decided to turn the French capital into a cycling city. 22,000 users on day one of the campaign does not mean the motorcar has been dethroned and the battle against Climate Change has been won, but it's a big step forward.

The Guardian ran an editorial today recommending that Boris Johnson include a "freedom bikes" proposal in his campaign to become Mayor of London. Do we really have to wait until then? On yer bike, Ken!