by Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman
What better way to spend time than to take the Cyclopod for a guided tour in English! This specially-designed bike is fitted with a covered bench for two people. Starting in the Jardin Anglais in Geneva, allow yourself to be strolled along at a comfortable pace, absorbing the city in a different way.
The concept was initiated by Aurélie Anstett back in 2009. After two years she was given permission from the city of Geneva and the first paying customers were accepted in Spring 2011.
- Do you know how many flowers are used to make up the flower clock?
- Do you know what the Pierre du Niton is used for?
- How long does it take for water to flow from one end of the lake to Geneva?
- Where can you purchase perche fish fresh out of the lake?
- How tall is the jet d’eau?
Not only will Aurélie answer all these questions but will also recount the city’s history and show you the sights of Geneva. She is very knowledgeable and can answer questions for you or your guests. As the Cyclopod is state-of-the-art with assisted pedaling and is made from 95% recycled materials, it makes for a great environmentally-friendly thing to do!
I was invited for a tour along with my 10-year-old son, Stefano, so we could have opinions from different age groups. Stefano listened intently while Aurélie told us about the symbolism of the Brunswick statue:
“A statue with a man on horseback has symbolic meaning. If the horse is standing on all 4 hooves, the man died from natural causes. If the horse has one hoof off the ground, the man died from injuries occurred during battle. If the horse has 2 hooves off the ground, the man died during battle.”
Stefano told me, “I didn’t know that and I went to school and told all my friends! They were really impressed.” He also went on to say, “I really enjoyed the tour on the Cyclopod and I want to take a friend next time they come to visit. It was really fun to sit and be driven on the back of the bike and I could see everything really well as there were no windows on the sides and the one in front was so big I could see where we were going.”
We also noticed that everyone we passed smiled at us!
Cyclopod is commencing its second season from April through October. With two Cyclopods (soon 4), Aurélie pedals along the lakeshore towards Genève Plage or la Perle du Lac. Tours last from ½ hour to 2 hours.
If you are interested in giving it a go then contact Aurélie or go to the ticket booth for the CGN at the Jardin Anglais — Promènade du Lac — to buy tickets.
www.cyclopod.ch Check out the practical Doodle links on the website to see what times are available.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
079 380 61 73
022 310 53 00
- ½ hour: Fr. 30.-
- 1 hour: Fr. 55.-
- 1½ hours: Fr. 80.-
- 2 hours: Fr. 100.-
Optional extra to pick-up in front of your downtown location + Fr. 10.-
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10h-20h (till 22h in summer) April through October.
Reservations can be organized between November and March.
People with reduced mobility are able to mount on the Cyclopod. Pets are accepted. There are no seat-belts.
Our reflection in the Hotel Kempinski's lakeside windows
Aurélie is generously offering 2 vouchers for ½ hour each. Just answer the question below and send your name and address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with CYCLOPOD in the subject line by midnight Monday, April 23, 2012. The winners will be notified individually and their name will appear in this article after that time.QUESTION: What does it mean when a horse statue has 2 hooves off the ground and a man mounted on his back?
EDITOR'S NOTE, 24/4/2012: Congratulations to Francesca Brunelli and Christelle Kashi, whose names were picked in a random draw of all participants.
