The “Micro-mobility Mindset” project explores public perceptions towards shared cycle hire schemes across the UK, focusing on both pedal-powered and electric bikes. This study, led by a team with diverse backgrounds in transport and academia, aims to equip local authorities with data-driven insights to better assess and implement micro-mobility solutions.
“We hope to offer valuable recommendations on how shared cycle schemes can be optimised to meet public needs and enhance community travel,” says Orla Bermingham, a Graduate Transport Planner at Arcadis.
The team consists of five individuals— Nima Dadashzadeh, a Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield, and Montell Issah, both providing academic perspectives, alongside Orla Bermingham, Niamh Mason, and Oliver Stone-Houghton, consultants in transport and future mobility. Each team member contributes their unique expertise to ensure a comprehensive analysis of challenges and opportunities within shared mobility.
“During the initial FTVG workshops, each team member presented their potential ideas, helping us identify shared interests,” explains Orla.
Since forming, the group has held bi-weekly online meetings, setting collaborative actions and maintaining open communication through MS Teams to address questions and resolve challenges collectively.
The project’s focus on shared cycle schemes emerged from a common interest in the rising popularity of micro-mobility in the UK. Recent data has shown that 2023 saw a significant 24% increase in bike-share hires, totalling around 25 million hires for the year.
“The rise in shared e-bike use, which for the first time has surpassed traditional pedal bikes, intrigued us and underscored the need to explore this trend further,” notes Oliver, Senior Transport Planning Consultant at WSP.
Although the team initially considered including e-scooters, they decided to concentrate on the factors influencing the growing preference for e-bikes, questioning, “Does this mean that e-bikes are the preferred option due to ease and speed, or are there other variables at play?”
The team has structured the project into six phases. The initial phase involves a comprehensive literature review of existing research on shared micro-mobility, specifically focusing on bike hire schemes.
“Our review aims to identify gaps in current research that will help refine our methodology,” explains Niamh, Assistant Transport Planner at WSP.
The team will also conduct a policy and legislation review, ensuring that their findings and recommendations align with national and local standards. Based on these reviews, they plan to develop a robust methodology that guides survey design and analysis. This will be followed by data collection through an online survey targeting a diverse set of users and demographics, allowing the team to capture a broad spectrum of public opinions on cycle hire schemes. The gathered data will then undergo detailed analysis to reveal emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with shared bike and e-bike usage.
Ultimately, the findings from these analyses, alongside insights from the literature and policy reviews, will culminate in a report.
“Our goal is to produce a comprehensive report that provides evidence-based recommendations to support local authorities in making informed decisions about shared cycle schemes,” Niamh adds.
The final report will serve as a valuable resource for local authorities, helping them understand the public’s perceptions and preferences regarding cycle hire schemes. The project also underscores a commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation options.
“Through this research, we aim to provide actionable insights that can help create more efficient, socially responsive micro-mobility solutions for communities across the UK,” says Orla.
This initiative, funded by FTVG, highlights the role of shared cycles in shaping the future of urban mobility and represents a step toward fostering an informed, micro-mobility-focused mindset among transport planners, local authorities, and the public alike.