Vélopop'

Vélopop' is a bike sharing scheme in Avignon, France launched in July 2009, engineered by Smoove. This community bicycle program comprises 200 bicycles and 17 stations for short term renting.[1] The bicycles are secured by a special fork in easy to install bicycle stands with mechanical keys distributed by automatic dispensers.

A vélopop' station outside city walls.

The lightweight stations don't require construction work or electrical connection.

The system is designed and assembled in France[2] and accessible at all times, inside and outside city walls.[3]

References

1. La Provence 29 May 2009 «Through its regional transports company TCRA, the whole Grand Avignon is committed to bicycle sharing with 200 bicycles and 17 stations».
2. TPBM 1 July 2009 p 8: «System design by Smoove in Montpellier ... assembled in la Roche sur Yon ... firms located in Savoy, Vénissieux, Lille.»
3. La Provence 22 June 2009, Avignews 15 June 2009

• velopop.fr Official web-site.
• Avignon à vélo association
• Designed and built by Smoove. Valence, Drome: Libélo (360 bikes in March 2010) and Saint-Étienne Vélivert (280 bikes in June 2010) selected the same system.
• Cycle Sud

• 
  Place Pie station
• 
  The key dispenser opens up and reveals the RFID keys