Bike share schemes are becoming increasingly widespread in UK cities, with multiple suppliers offering micro-mobility solutions. Whilst the uptake and revenue figures from micromobility providers tell their own story about the popularity of this emerging form of mobility, less is known about the drivers and motivators behind adopting this mode, and what barriers may prevent greater uptake in future.
This underlying “micromobility mindset” is the focus of this project, bringing together a team of transport consultants and researchers from across the UK; including Oliver Stone-Houghton and Niamh Mason from WSP, Orla Bermingham from Arcadis, Dr. Nima Dadash-Zadeh from the University of Huddersfield and Montell Issah, a software development apprentice.
Introducing the project, Oliver and Nima set out the challenges with delivering micromobility schemes;
“Local authorities face many obstacles in delivering successful shared micro-mobility schemes”, they outlined, “Anything that can guide them through this process is invaluable, particularly as micromobility can contribute to achieving net zero targets; improving air quality and public health; and, ultimately increasing the availability of low-cost mobility options.”
In this emerging field, the team set out to answer three research questions to map out the process for local government.
To understand the public’s perceptions of bike share schemes in the UK and the existing regulations for the implementation of the schemes, the conducted a review of literature and policy. This focused the group’s attention towards bike share schemes, and the impacts of providing electric bikes as part of the shared mobility offer.
“Through our literature review, we discovered a significant gap in research on how electrification impacts the uptake of bike share schemes and the need for targeted policy interventions and infrastructure improvements to enhance their appeal”, explains Orla, “This enabled us to explore actionable recommendations for policymakers, local authorities, and operators to ensure long-term success for future schemes.”
As well as the literature review, the group conducted a public survey, gathering over 670 responses from across the UK to test acceptance and use of bike share schemes. The group used some of their research funding to run social media advertising in order to broaden the response rate.
“It was insightful to receive responses from a range of background and ages, as well as positive and negative perceptions of bike share schemes which informed our research”, explains Oliver, “It benefited from a range of perceptions and experiences, meaning that we could better understand the range of drivers and motivators for using shared mobility options and what’s needed for these schemes to thrive over time.”
The team recognised that whilst social media enabled them to gather a broader spectrum of feedback, it still proved challenging to gather a representative sample. The findings however helped add additional layers of context to the literature review and formulate the emerging recommendations.
Niamh commented; “We hope that this research provides a useful insight on how bike share schemes can be successfully implemented in the future in the aid of creating a more sustainable future for transport.”
The group developed a series of recommendations that could be applied to a number of stakeholders working in delivering shared mobility, including National Government, Local Authorities and Operators. The key findings included:
It also delivered guidance for how to effectively implement shared bike schemes, based on best practice and feedback from the public survey.
“Our finished report shows local authorities and members of the public a clear roadmap into the deliverance of shared bike schemes, as well as what exactly makes them so effective”, said Montell, “ We have established a clear foundation in a previously under-researched area of transport planning in the UK context, and we hope this work serves as a foundation for further exploration.”
The group hopes that the research can be informative as well as forming the basis for future research and innovation in the transport industry.
A copy of the research report can be downloaded here: The Micromobility Mindset