Vel'oH - Cycling in Luxembourg

Initially it is really amusing, watching people pedalling down in formal suit and tie. During summers you will find so many people cycling around the city streets. Unlike Americans, Europeans are total fitness freak. Obviously in India the poor ride bicycles to work and for daily chores, sweating out in sun not knowing, the rich shell out thousands to burn down calories in gym.

In Luxembourg city there are several velo stations or  in other words , rent a bicycle service. The bicycles are unisex, with three gears. It has a big basket in front  with adjustable seats. One can have a weekly subscription or a yearly pass. At each station there is a terminal for  transaction. The bicycles are  securely attached. While returning you need to be doubly sure if it has been properly latched otherwise it will presume “ rental in progress”.

Once you take the subscription whether short or long term one, it retains   hundred and fifty euro as security, which I presume is the cost of velo. When  the  subscription lapses it gets credit back to your account. I always take seven day ticket which costs one   euro. First half an hour is free thereafter  one euro will  be deducted for each additional hour. Rental bikes are not allowed inside city buses and trains though you may carry personal ones.

Long time back , I was excitingly narrating my velo experience to a friend. She being in India was pretty much aware of the bicycle rental service across Europe. As a   software test engineer   she has worked on the velo project. So you see how the dots join. I am enjoying a ride in Luxembourg with all the  software nuances being taken care of  back home.

The terrain of Luxembourg city is far from flat with Kirchberg plateau on one side and Grund valley in the centre. Recently e-bike has also been introduced. It is a hybrid version with two modes ,one can pedal or ride like a scooter. Sounds interesting, though I still need to have hands on experience. There are designated cycle paths throughout the city. The cycle paths with lots of fresh air and serene city view which I  recommend are

1.Grund-the valley

2.Auchan, Kirchberg to city centre

3. Area around Cloche d’or,  especially in the month of May when yellow mustard flowers are in full bloom.

Note: Velo is French word for bicycle.