The benefits generated by European bike sharing amount to €305 million per year, study shows

Sources: Zag Daily, Cycling Industry News, SAZ Bike

A new study has shown that the substantial positive benefits of Europe’s bike sharing sector include an annual saving of 46,000 tonnes of CO2, a reduction of 760,000 hours of traffic congestion, and the creation of 6,000 jobs. An annual value of €305 million has been attributed to the benefits, alongside a significant contribution to environmental, public and economic health.

The research, carried out by EY, aims to quantify both the economic and social returns on investment into bike-sharing schemes in 150 cities across the European Union, the UK, Switzerland and Norway. The combined fleet size is 438,000 shared bicycles, enabling millions of trips for users to connect with work, education and public transportation.

Key annual highlights of bike-sharing benefits

• 46,000 tonnes of CO2 and 200 tonnes of harmful air pollutants saved
• Active mobility helps prevent 1,000 chronic diseases, leading to €40 million of healthcare savings
• 760,000 hours of productivity saved thanks to reduced traffic congestion, valued at €30 million
• 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs created in roles supporting the bike-sharing sector, both practical (e.g. mechanic, logistics) and in HQ environments (e.g. customer service, marketing)
• Mobility expenses for users reduced by up to 90% compared with cars
• Current 10% annual return on investment: €1 spent generates €1.10 in positive external outcomes

Projected factors for further growth

The study also looks to the future, forecasting that with continued investment and expansion, by 2030 a further 224,000 tonnes of CO2 can be saved, over 4,200 chronic diseases prevented, and almost 13,000 jobs created. This is calculated to a €1 billion annual benefit – or, put another way, a 75% return on public spending investment.

This forecasted growth would depend on four conditions being met:

• Growing demand due to urbanisation
• Regulatory support and network expansion
• Electrification of fleets
• Integration with public transport networks and systems

Nick Brown, CEO of bike-share operator services provider Velogik UK, acted as Study Project Lead on the research, and spoke of the report’s significance for Europe’s transport systems, and cities in general.

“The first step is simple but crucial – recognise cycling as a form of transport, not just recreation. It deserves the same strategic investment and policy attention as roads, rail, or public transport. If governments start treating bike share and cycling infrastructure as part of the transport ecosystem, then funding follows and so do results.

“Cities have always felt that bike share delivers social and environmental benefits – but until now, they haven’t been able to prove it in financial terms. That’s what’s been missing: a way to demonstrate the true success of bike share schemes through hard data and credible economic modelling.

“Thanks to this study, we now have a methodology that does exactly that – it quantifies the benefits in euros and ROI. Once decision-makers can see those numbers, the case for investment becomes undeniable.”

The EY study was commissioned by EIT Urban Mobility and CIE, and can be downloaded here.