Bike Share: A Synthesis of the Literature |
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Authors: | Elliot Fishman Simon Washington Narelle Haworth |
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Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland, K Block , Queensland University of Technology , 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove , QLD 4059 , Australia e.fishman@qut.edu.au;3. Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland, K Block , Queensland University of Technology , 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove , QLD 4059 , Australia;4. Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering , Queensland Transport and Main Roads Endowed Chair School of Urban Development , 2 George St GPO Box 2434, Brisbane , QLD 4001 , Australia;5. Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland, K Block , Queensland University of Technology , 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove , QLD 4059 , Australia |
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Abstract: | This paper begins by providing an overview of bike share programs, followed by a critical examination of the growing body of literature on these programs. This synthesis of previous works, both peer-reviewed and gray, includes an identification of the current gaps in knowledge related to the impacts of bike sharing programs. This synthesis represents a critically needed evaluation of the current state of global bike share research, in order to better understand, and maximize the effectiveness of current and future programs. Several consistent themes have emerged within the growing body of research on bike share programs. Firstly, the importance bike share members place on convenience and value for money appears paramount in their motivation to sign up and use these programs. Secondly, and somewhat counter intuitively, scheme members are more likely to own and use private bicycles than nonmembers. Thirdly, users demonstrate a greater reluctance to wear helmets than private bicycle riders and helmets have acted as a deterrent in jurisdictions in which helmets are mandatory. Finally, and perhaps most importantly from a sustainable transport perspective, the majority of scheme users are substituting from sustainable modes of transport rather than the car. |
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Keywords: | public bicycle bicycle bike share transport sustainable cities |
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