Paris, France - Paris has become the latest city to join the Mobike movement after the company began operations this week with a pilot program in the French capital. Initially, Mobike will introduce its first tranche of bikes in central Paris, as it establishes its operations in the city.

“Our goal is to ensure that Mobike is the smart and responsible Bikeshare option for both the City of Paris, and its residents,” said Etienne Hermite, Director General of Mobike France, “Our initial fleet of bikes will help us perfect our operations so we can meet the high standards required by the people of Paris.”

Paris is an important market for bikesharing, as the city itself has ambitious mobility goals to see 15% of all city trips made by bicycle by 2020.

Mobike will collaborate closely with city officials on a range of matters aimed at promoting and increasing cycling in Paris. It will including developing an open data platform for transport planning, and working on road and cycle safety initiatives and on-street bike parking protocols.

During the pilot program, Mobikers in Paris will be able to join Mobike with the small, promotional deposit of just 1 Euro and enjoy free rides for an entire month. As it gains experience in the city, Mobike will extend its pilot program throughout Paris to meet growing demand, in collaboration with municipal authorities, businesses, and communities.

The Paris pilot marks Mobike's first operations in France. To date, Mobike in Europe is present in Italy, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.