Public Bikesharing in North America: Early Operator and User Understanding

TLDR

IT‑based bikesharing systems deploy bicycles across urban docking networks for immediate access, serving both first‑and‑last‑mile connectivity and many‑mile travel, and by 2012 were operating in 15 U.S. and 4 Canadian cities, with advances such as mobile docking stations and real‑time tracking facilitating system rebalancing and user information. This study evaluates public bikesharing in North America, reviewing technological advances and major events during its rapid expansion. The authors surveyed users of four early North American bikesharing systems—BIXI Montreal, BIXI Toronto, Capital Bikeshare Washington, D.C., and Nice Ride Minnesota—to assess technology advances and rapid expansion.

Abstract

Information technology (IT)-based bikesharing systems typically position bicycles throughout an urban environment, among a network of docking stations, for immediate access. Bikesharing can serve as both a first-and-last mile (connector to other modes) and a many-mile solution. As of January 2012, 15 IT-based, public bikesharing systems were operating in the United States and four in Canada. This study evaluates public bikesharing in North America, reviewing the advances in technology and major events during its rapid expansion. Notable developments during this period include the emergence of a close partnership between vendor and operator and technological advances, such as mobile bike-docking stations that can be moved to different locations and real-time bike/station tracking to facilitate system rebalancing and provide user information. Information on four early IT-based systems: BIXI in Montreal; BIXI in Toronto; Capital Bikeshare in Washington, D.C.; and Nice Ride Minnesota in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) was obtained via a user survey. The most common trip purpose for bikesharing is commuting to either work or school. Respondents in all cities overwhelmingly indicated that they drive less as a result of bikesharing, indicating that it reduces vehicle miles/kilometers traveled and vehicle emissions.