European experience provides a robust history of bikesharing planning, implementation, and
operations. Furthermore, the more recent growth of third-generation bikesharing programs can
be attributed to innovations tracing back to this understanding. Relative to other countries, third generation
bikesharing programs in Europe are large scale, operate through public-private partnerships, and feature advanced technologies.
In 1998, the first citywide IT-based system appeared when Clear Channel, a large outdoor advertising company, launched its first “SmartBike” program in Rennes, France.
To access free bicycles for up to three hours, SmartBike required users to complete a smartcard application.
After 11 years of service, the Rennes system, more commonly known as “Vélo à la Carte,” came to an end in May 2009.
This program has been replaced by “LE vélo STAR,” which operates with 900 bicycles and 81 stations (14).