What is Bike-Sharing?

Bike-share programs are networks of public use bicycles distributed around a city for use at low cost. Bicycles can be obtained at any self-service bike-station and returned at any bike-station, which makes bike-shares ideal for “Point A to Point B” transportation or simply to explore an area surrounding a bike-station.

To use a bike-share bicycle, people sign up for daily, weekly or annual memberships. The memberships can be purchased online or at any bike-station. With their membership card in hand, users swipe or tap their card on a card-reader or enter their password, obtain a bicycle from the bike-station, and go. Returning a bicycle is even easier. Users find a bike-station near their destination, roll the bicycle into the bike-station portal (docking station) and are done, off on their way. Most programs offer the first 1⁄2 hour free and provide a 15 minute grace period if there are no free docking stations at the users’ destination. Bicycles not returned within 24 hours are considered stolen, and a predetermined fee is automatically charged to the users’ credit card.

Anti-theft mechanisms, such as requiring subscriptions, bike stations and wireless technology, have largely limited theft in modern (also known as 3rd Generation) bike-share programs, allowing bike-shares to become viable options in the 21st century. Use of the bicycles is limited to registered subscribers, linking each bicycle hire to a user’s credit card. Operators use networked self-serve bike-stations which communicate with a central computer system and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to monitor bicycles utilization and station utilization. In Barcelona, the use of these mechanisms has meant that the Bicing system has a theft rate of only 3% despite a high citywide general theft rate.

Bike-share bicycles are sturdy, and designed to withstand considerable use. They typically have a life expectancy of 3-5 years. RFID and GPS technology allows program operators to monitor bicycle location. Station locking mechanism connects the bicycles directly to the bike-stations. Bike lights are illuminated by kinetic energy when bicycles are in use. Because they are meant for people who may not be wearing “bicycling attire,” bike-share bicycles are designed for comfort; chains, gear shifts and brake mechanisms are completely enclosed and protected and tamper resistant. Adjustable, but not removable, seats make the bicycles easy to adapt to each users needs. Parts are specialized reducing the temptation for resale.

Bike-share programs are used by a wide variety of people of all ages. Commuters, recreational/errand riders, and tourists are the three main user groups. Most bike-share users are not competitive cyclists. While the self-service structure of bike-share programs makes helmet distribution impossible as part of the program, numerous options, such as helmet distribution with membership, vouchers and increased public safety campaigns can mitigate some of these safety concerns.

Bicycle Sharing Benefits

As the price of fuel rises, traffic congestion worsens, populations grow, and a greater worldwide consciousness arises around climate change, it will be necessary for  leaders around the world to find modes of transportation to move people in  environmentally sound, efficient, and economically feasible way. Fortunately, bike sharing fits these needs.

• Bike sharing is a complementary mode of transport and another tool that can be effectively integrated as part of a city’s sustainable economic development and urbanism model. Bike-sharing programs foster a positive, “green” image for the city which can in turn result in increased tourism and a strong business climate. The potential to replace some personal car and taxi trips with non-polluting bicycle trips can help the city reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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• Bike sharing can be seen as an environmentally friendly service that contributes the modernity and uniqueness of a city. Bike sharing generates positive economic benefits for cities and individuals. Exploring a city by bicycle is being promoted as a unique tourism experience.

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• Bike-share programs have proven to produce substantial revenues, promote tourism, and increase bicycle-related sales. The revenues and jobs generated by bike-share programs depends on to program size.

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• Connecting bike sharing with other modes of transportation, such as light-rails, subways, or buses, would create new mobility options, enhancing existing transportation networks.

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• A long-term effect is an overall increased awareness for cycling and sustainable transportation alternatives. This, in turn, can lead to corresponding changes towards sustainable transportation habits.

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