The Belgian city Namur relaunches an initiative from 2017, allowing residents to rent a bike for a democratic price. All bikes have been named after someone who played a part in the city’s history.
In 2017, the city of Namur – located in Wallonia, the southern and French-speaking part of Belgium – first joined forces with Pro Vélo. The organisation has a branch in the train station of Namur and wants to make cycling accessible to everyone, amongst other things by offering cycling courses and repairs.
Those first Namicyclettes, as the long-term bike rental system in Namur is called, have now been replaced by 30 new bikes. All bikes have been named after a prominent Namur figure and they have been painted in the colours associated with the city.
“Modern, robust, and covered with a whole new design, these urban bikes have been developed to make active mobility accessible to all, every day,” says Pro Vélo.
Namicyclettes practical details
The 30 new bikes can be rented by everyone who either lives, works or studies in the city. The bicycles are available in three different sizes (S, M, and L), they all come with a highly secured lock and are equipped with a luggage carrier.
The Namicyclettes can be rented for a duration of 3, 6 or 12 months. Prices go from € 50 for 3 months to € 100 for a year. Those prices include yearly maintenance. In order to rent a bike, people can fill out an online form, after which they will be informed whenever a bike is available. Those who are new to cycling (in the city) can also participate in a free course called ‘Ma Ville A Vélo’ (My City By Bike) in order to get acquainted with cycling in Namur.
Namur by bike
Namicyclettes isn’t the only initiative in Namur aimed at making cycling more attractive and accessible to everyone. Through Pro Vélo, for example, people can test an electric bike for a duration of three months before deciding whether or not they want to purchase one. Moreover, Li Bia Vélo is a local bike-sharing service available to locals and tourists alike, with over 250 bikes available and spread over 28 different stations throughout Namur.
