A global comparison of bicycle sharing systems. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Todd, James; O'Brien, Oliver; Cheshire, James
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport geography. Volume 94(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Bicycle sharing systems -- Micro-mobility -- Metric creation -- Clustering; Transportation -- Periodicals; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; Transport -- Périodiques; Télécommunications -- Périodiques; Telecommunication; Transportation; Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2021.103119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-6923

Abstract

Abstract: Increasing urban populations have created pressures on the transportation networks that serve them. Bicycle sharing systems (BSS) have seen a dramatic increase in popularity as cities around the world begin to implement and see significant use and benefit from this growing mode of urban micro-mobility. As a result, the research surrounding bicycle sharing systems has also increased, although this has been primarily focused on the analysis of individual systems. There is therefore a need for a global comparison of systems, particularly given that prior research often omits China, which is currently the largest BSS market in the world. This paper therefore marks a major step forward through its analysis of data from 322 schemes situated on all major continents. Conducting such analysis, there appear to be 5 main types of BSS: very large, high use BSS, large BSS in major cities, medium BSS with extensive cycling infrastructure, small to medium efficient BSS and small to medium inefficient BSS . From these major cluster groups, we are able to group schemes by usage, contextual indicators and the behavioural characteristics of their users. This not only facilitates a global comparison of scheme performance, but also offers a basis to new schemes to identify established BSS with similar characteristics that can be used as a template for anticipating the likely demand from users. Highlights: A comprehensive global classification of over 300 bikeshare schemes. The creation of heuristics to enable the processing and classification of schemes globally. A basis for future research and expansion for new schemes and other forms of mobility.