Public in North America: Early Operator and User Understanding Elliot Martin, Ph.D. Assistant Research Engineer Susan Shaheen, Ph.D., Associate Adjunct Professor Bicycle Urbanism Symposium Washington University June 20, 2013 Adam Cohen Associate Researcher
Public bikesharing: history Overview Study methodology operations in North America N. American bikesharing impacts & developments Summary
Generations 1 st Generation: Free Bikes ( White Bikes ) Demonstration and provided increased mobility 2 nd Generation: Coin-Deposit Systems Emerged from a need to deter theft and incentivize return. 3 rd Generation: Information Technology (IT) System Provides real-time information; employs technology to assist in rebalancing demand. 4 th Generation: Demand-Responsive, Multi-Modal Systems Mobile docking stations; smartcard integration with public transit; bike redistribution innovations; GPS tracking, touchscreen kiosks, and electric bikes.
N. America: Historical Overview North America s first IT-based bikesharing system, Tulsa Townies, started operating in 2007 in Tulsa, OK First solar-powered, fully automated docking-based system in the world; provides service free of charge. In Canada, first IT-based public bikesharing system, BIXI (BIcycle-TaXI), began operating in 2009 in Montreal
Study Methodology Operator interviews with all 19 North American ITbased programs operational as of April 2012 Conducted 14 interviews with transportation personnel, transit operators, policymakers, and community bike coordinators Completed online survey with users of early public bikesharing systems in: Montreal; Toronto; and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul), Washington, D.C. allowed input to their survey and sent us the data. Analyzed operational data from two American operators for 2011
: North America As of January 2012, 19 IT-based programs: 216,422 users and 11,473 shared bicycles As of May 2012, there were 21 IT-based based operations. 18 more planned in 2012-2013 (NYC, Chicago, LA, SF)
Seasonal vs. Year-Round Operations
Business Models
Types of Funding/Revenue Sources Percent of Operators 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 16% 26% 89% 95% 68% 32% 26% 26% n = 19 16% 1 Type of Funding and Revenue
Optimum Distance Between Docking Stations 8 7 Percent of Operators by Country 6 5 4 3 1 U.S., n = 15 Canada, n = 4 Between 100-300 yards Between 300 yards - 1/4 mile Between 1/4 mile - 1/2 mile Between 1/2 mile - 3/4 mile More than 3/4 Mile Distance
Docking Station Features
Member Survey: Overview Fall 2011/Early 2012 Program Users Bicycles Stations Sample Size Capital Bikeshare (D.C.) 18,000 1,200 130 5,248 Nice Ride Minnesota (Twin Cities) 3630 960 116 1238 BIXI-Montreal 40,000 5,120 411 3,322 BIXI-Toronto 4,000 1,000 80 853
Basic City Statistics of Member Survey Transit Facts Washington, D.C. Toronto Montreal Minneapolis-St.Paul Kilometers of Rail Track 341 373 122 40 Number of Buses 1,495 1,811 1,600 885 Number of Rail (or Metro) Cars 1,106 951 759 27 Unlinked trips 418,125,650 477,357,000 388,600,000 78,048,647 Population Facts Washington, D.C. Toronto Montreal Minneapolis-St.Paul Population 601,723 2,503,281 1,620,693 667,646 Area (km 2 ) 177 630 365 288 Population Density (pop/km 2 ) 3,400 3,972 4,439 2,317 Year of Data 2010 2010 (transit) 2006 (population) 2010 (transit) 2006 (population) 2010 1
18% 16% 14% 12% 1 8% 6% 4% 2% Distribution of Key Demographics Income Age 19% 14% 14% 13% 12% 4% 4% 5% 7% 6% 2% 6 48% 5 4 3 21% 11% 1 8% 1 1% 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% 2% Education 9% 42% 46% 1% 10 8 6 4 Race/Ethnicity 79% 6% 2% 4% 5% 4%
Trip Purpose Montreal Toronto 6 5 4 3 1 56% N = 3299 2% 1% 1% Question: What is your most common trip purpose for using BIXI? 19% 1 3% 6% 6 5 4 3 1 5 8% N = 843 2% 2% 11% Question: What is your most common trip purpose for using BIXI? 19% 2% 7% Minneapolis-St. Paul Washington, D.C. 6 5 4 3 1-1 38% N = 1232 8% 7% 1% Question: What is your most common trip purpose for using Nice Ride Minnesota? 14% 14% 9% 9% 6 5 4 3 1-1 38% N = 5140 6% 7% 4% Question: What was the primary purpose of your MOST RECENT Capital Bikeshare trip? 21% 12% 7% 5%
2% 11% Commute Times in the United States 35% Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA 3 25% 1 5% 4% 32% 7% 28% 14% 11% 16% 6% 7% 4% 22% 6% 7% 3% 1% 1% Washington, D.C. and Arlington VA (1-year ACS 2010) Capital Bikeshare, N = 4342 9% 4% 2% 1% 1% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% 1% 37% 7% 26% 14% 12% Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis (1-year ACS 2010) 22% Nice Ride Minnesota, N = 971 8% 1 7% 2% 2% 2% 4% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 3% Minutes to Work
45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% 23% 41% 18% 37% 13% Commute Times in Canada 9% 9% 2% Montreal, QC 6% 5% 3% 4% Quebec General Social Survey Bixi Montreal, N = 2851 2% 1% 2% 6 55% Toronto, ON 5 Ontario General Social Survey 4 Bixi Toronto, N = 733 3 1 17% 14% 1 1 2% 5% 6% 2% 3% 1% 4% 1% 1% 1% Kilometers to Work
6 One-way and Round-trip Montreal 6 Toronto 5 4 3 4 One-way, from station to station, N = 3227 Round Trip, back to the same station, N = 3204 38% 27% 28% 5 4 3 4 One-way, from station to station, N = 824 46% Round Trip, back to the same station, N = 806 33% 17% 19% 17% 21% 18% 14% 13% 1 1 Often Sometimes Rarely Never Often Sometimes Rarely Never 6 5 53% Minneapolis-Saint Paul One-way, from station to station, N = 1189 Round Trip, back to the same station, N = 1174 4 3 1 26% 17% 21% 21% 8% 21% 32% Often Sometimes Rarely Never
System Activity CapitalBikeshare & NiceRide Minnesota 2011 System Data Data Type 2011 System Data Data Type Capital Bikeshare (Washington, D.C.) Capital Bikeshare (Washington, D.C.) Nice Ride Nice Ride Minnesota (Minneapolis-Saint Minnesota Paul) Single-Station Round- Trips (Minneapolis- Saint Paul) 1st Quarter (limited data) 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Total Trips 10,976 374,203 405,450 313,001 1,103,630 Single-Station Round-Trips % of Single-Station Round-Trips 584 24,240 23,643 13,553 62,020 5.3% 6.5% 5.8% 4.3% 5.6% Total Trips Total Trips NA 60,785 117,219 39,526 39,526 217,530 Single-Station Round-Trips % of Single-Station Round-Trips 1st Quarter (limited data) 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total NA 5,840 11,237 2,827 19,904 NA 9.6% 9.6% 7.2% 9.2% 1st Quarter 2011 Capital Bikeshare data released was a subset (7%) of total trips during the quarter. Total Trips 10,976 374,203 405,450 313,001 1,103,630 % of Single-Station Round-Trips Single-Station Round- Trips % of Single-Station Round-Trips 584 24,240 23,643 13,553 62,020 5.3% 6.5% 5.8% 4.3% 5.6% NA 5,840 11,237 2,827 19,904 NA 9.6% 9.6% 7.2% 9.2% 1st Quarter 2011 Capital Bikeshare data released was a subset (7%) of total trips during the quarter. 1
Trip Duration 35% 3 25% 13% 3 21% 13% Washington, D.C. Capital Bikeshare Operational Data N = 1,103,598 Trips in 2011 1 8% 5% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% Minutes 35% 3 25% 1 5% 18% 3 18% 11% Minneapolis-Saint Paul Nice Ride Minnesota Operational Data 7% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% N = 217,530 Trips in 2011 Minutes
Modal Shift Question Structure As a result of my use of <bikesharing>, I use the bus More About the same (bikesharing has had no impact) Less Much less I did not ride the bus before and I do not ride the bus now. I have changed how I use the bus, but not because of Nice Ride Minnesota. 1
Change in Bicycling As a result of my use of bikesharing, I ride a bicycle (any bicycle)... 4 3 1 33% 28% Montreal N = 3264 7% 6% More Less Much less 27% No Change as a Result of 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% 29% 35% Toronto 5% N = 842 2% More Less Much less 29% No Change as a Result of Twin Cities Washington, D.C. 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% 26% 45% 3% N = 1218 More Less Much less 5 45% 4 35% 26% 3 25% 1 5% No Change as a Result of 36% 46% 1% More Less Much less N = 5219 16% No Change as a Result of
Change in Driving a Car As a result of my use of bikesharing, I drive a car... 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 3284 Montreal 25% 12% More Less Much less 63% No Change as a Result of 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 845 Toronto 19% 6% More Less Much less 75% No Change as a Result of Twin Cities Washington, D.C. 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% N = 1230 44% 9% More Less Much less 47% No Change as a Result of 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 5248 3 11% More Less Much less 59% No Change as a Result of
Change in Taxi Use As a result of my use of bikesharing, I use a taxi... 6 5 4 3 1 N = 3280 2% Montreal 27% 17% More Less Much less 53% No Change as a Result of 6 5 4 3 1 N = 842 1% Toronto 32% 13% More Less Much less 54% No Change as a Result of Twin Cities Washington, D.C. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 1222 1% 14% 5% More Less Much less 8 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% No Change as a Result of N = 5201 1% 36% 17% More Less Much less 46% No Change as a Result of
With Transit Impacts Minneapolis Seems Different Source: Greg Benz 1
Change in Urban Rail As a result of my use of bikesharing, I use urban rail... 5 4 3 1 N = 3281 2% 9% Montreal 33% 17% More Less Much less 38% No Change as a Result of 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% N = 840 1% 8% Toronto 32% 12% More Less Much less 47% No Change as a Result of Twin Cities Washington, D.C. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 1221 2% 13% 3% More Less Much less 82% 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% No Change as a Result of 1% N = 5210 6% 38% 1 More Less Much less 46% No Change as a Result of
Change in Bus As a result of my use of bikesharing, I use the bus... 5 4 3 1 N = 3280 1% 5% Montreal 3 17% More Less Much less 46% No Change as a Result of 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 842 2% Toronto 14% 7% More Less Much less 77% No Change as a Result of 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 1219 1% Twin Cities 13% 14% 3% More Less Much less 69% No Change as a Result of 6 5 4 3 1 1% N = 5217 Washington, D.C. 4% 32% 7% More Less Much less 56% No Change as a Result of
Change in Walking As a result of my use of bikesharing, I walk... 4 3 1 N = 3276 6% Montreal 34% 5% More Less Much less 35% No Change as a Result of 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% N = 843 4% 17% Toronto 39% 7% More Less Much less 33% No Change as a Result of Twin Cities Washington, D.C. 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% N = 1221 6% 31% 22% 1% More Less Much less 39% No Change as a Result of 6 5 4 3 1 N = 5183 2% 29% 1% More Less Much less 52% No Change as a Result of
Urban Rail Systems of Cities Surveyed Minneapolis Montreal Washington, D.C. Toronto
Perceptions of as Enhancing Transit I think of BIXI as an enhancement to the Montreal public transportation system. 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 81% 17% 1% 1% Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree 77% I think of BIXI as an enhancement to the Toronto public transportation system. 1% 1% N = 841 Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree I think of Nice Ride Minnesota as an enhancement to the Twin Cities public transportation system. 82% 16% 1% 1% N = 3291 N = 1233 Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree
with Transit instead of Car 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 Since joining BIXI, I have made trips with public transit and bikesharing (together) that I would have previously done with a car. [Montreal] 21% 19% 21% 18% Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree Since joining BIXI, I have made trips with public transit and bikesharing (together) that I would have previously done with a car. [Toronto] 9% 19% 22% Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree Since joining Nice Ride Minnesota I have made trips with public transit and bikesharing (together) that I would have previously done with a car. 19% 31% 3 21% 23% N = 3277 N = 845 Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree N = 1227 6%
8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 200 150 100 50 0 [A] [B] Reduction of Vehicle Ownership Since you joined [public bikesharing], have you sold, donated or otherwise gotten rid of a personal household vehicle or considered selling a personal vehicle? 82 7135 No 398 553 Sold or donated a household vehicle 135 162 N = 8086 Considered selling a personal vehicle How important has your membership with [public bikesharing] been in your decision to sell or consider selling a personal vehicle? N = 393 Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Don t know 14
Impact on Local Shopping As a result of my use of bikesharing, I shop at locations near existing bike stations... 7 6 5 4 3 1 6 4 N = 9% 33% Montreal More Less Much less No Change as a Result of Toronto 54% N = 841 38% 7% More Less Much less No Change as a Result of 58% 6 4 52% N = 5153 31% Washington, D.C. Question: If a business, restaurant, or shop is easily accessible by Capital Bikeshare, does that access make you more or less likely to patronize that establishment? likely Somewhat more likely Somewhat less likely Much less likely Not more or less likely, no difference 17%
Impact on Exercise I get more exercise now that I am a member of BIXI. [Montreal] 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 N = 955 34% 39% 18% 7% 1% Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree I get more exercise now that I am a member of BIXI. [Toronto] N = 841 39% 26% 19% 13% 3% Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree I get more exercise now that I am a member of Nice Ride Minnesota. 41% 21% 26% N = 1229 1 2% Strongly agree Agree Neutral (no opinion) Disagree Strongly disagree
Helmet Use with Public 7 6 5 4 3 1 N = 3291 Question: How do you wear a helmet when using BIXI bikes? 8% Always 12% Most of the time Montreal 8% 1 62% Sometimes Rarely Never 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 1 5% Question: How do you wear a helmet when using BIXI bikes? 11% Always 18% Most of the time Toronto 11% N = 842 45% Sometimes Rarely Never Minneapolis-St Paul Washington, D.C. 6 5 4 Question: How do you wear a helmet while using Nice Ride? N = 1232 5 6 5 4 Question: How do you wear a helmet when you use Capital Bikeshare? N = 5248 43% 3 1 16% 14% 3 1 17% 19% 21% -1 Always Sometimes Rarely Never -1 Always Most of the time Some of the time Never
Summary IT-based bikesharing, starting in 2007, has undergone rapid growth in North America since 2009. Approximately 20 planned and existing launches for 2012 User survey indicates modal shift away from all other modes towards the use of the bicycle. Everyone is driving less, and bicycling more Most appear to be walking less, and bicycling more Most also appear to be using transit less, and bicycling more The dynamics of where and why bikesharing increases transit use and walking (such as is the case in Minneapolis) need to be better understood. Modal shift away from transit may have occurred due to transit congestion at peak times and shorter, faster, or more direct routing with bikesharing. Helmet use with bikesharing is limited, likely the result of helmet availabilty. Early data suggests the bikesharing may have a positive impact on nearby shopping locations.
Acknowledgements Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose State University California Department of Transportation Adam Cohen, Stacey Guzman, Rachel Whyte, and Cynthia Armour, TSRC, UC Berkeley North American public bikesharing organizations
N. American Public Report transweb.sjsu.edu/project/1029.html
www.its.berkeley.edu/sustainabilitycenter
Impacts Data (Year) Trips Per Day KM Per Day CO 2 Reduction (Kg Per Day) BIXI Montreal 2011 20,000 50,000 8,760 Trips Per Year KM Per Year CO2 Reduction (Kg Per Year) Boulder B-Cycle 2011 18,500 47,174 Denver B-Cycle 2011 202,731 694,942 280,339 New Balance Hubway (Boston) 2011 140,000 Madison B-Cycle 2011 18,500 46,805 San Antonio B-Cycle 2011 22,709 38,575