The Bike Sharing potential; The potential for a bike sharing system implementation in'medium-large cities in the Netherlands

Abstract

The objective of this research was to gain an understanding of the potential implementation of bike sharing in medium-large cities, by investigating travel behavior. This contributes to the aim of improving spatial design and land use. The problem statement lists; How should a bike sharing system, for a first- and last mile use, be set up to meet the potential demand, and what could be the spatial effects for medium-large cities in the Netherlands? A literature research and an interview have been done to set the theoretical foundation. This research is methodically supported by a survey. The results show a potential demand. It shows that in a situation where travel time or travel price becomes more advantageous, there is an increasing amount of car users that indicate that they want to use shared bikes often. The potential costs of a shared bike are determined by the difference in parking costs between the park & ride and the city center and petrol savings. The results show the negative aspect of the reimbursement of car use for bike sharing. This result indicates a considerable influence of employers, who could boost the use of bike sharing if this use as an alternative to car reimbursement is promoted. The direct spatial effects of the use of shared bikes include a reducement of urban congestion, an increased health and physical fitness for users and a positive influence on accessibility, thereby impacting the land use and spatial quality.