Source: Cities Today

The European bike-sharing sector is looking towards social leasing programmes, alongside traditional bike-sharing models, in the search for new ways to encourage the long-term adoption of cycling as an everyday means of transport.

A recent discussion organised by ECI heard from a range of industry representatives, exploring pathways to convert occasional shared-bike users into regular riders. Taking part in the discussion were Nick Brown of bike-share consultancy Haveconsult, Jhon Alexander Ramirez of bike-share solutions provider nextbike, and Alessia Di Maio of Lyft Urban Solutions.

The discussion explored the notion that, while the expansion of bike-share networks is an important factor in encouraging greater cycling uptake, other factors are also crucial. Longer-term access to bikes is key, as are strong integration with public transport, and consistent investment in supporting infrastructure.

Successful social leasing in practice

Nick Brown, Haveconsult Head of Consulting, held up France as a positive example for fostering increased bicycle uptake through social leasing schemes. “There are currently around 150,000 bikes in France already applied on social leasing schemes, subsidised schemes where people get access to an electric bike, which then helps deliver the behaviour change that you need to convert people to bicycle users.”

He pointed to the role social leasing can play in encouraging people to shift from just trying cycling, to using bicycles on a regular basis. “Bike share might just give someone their first ride and then their introduction to cycling. Social leasing is that real tool that helps deliver the behaviour change programmes.”

The importance of investment

The speakers stressed that investment is crucial if cities want bike-sharing systems to become embedded in urban mobility networks. Alessia Di Maio, Lyft’s Public Affairs Manager, highlighted that investment commitments are a sure sign of a city’s intentions towards prioritising cycling and shared mobility. “If bike sharing is not publicly funded, whatever the policy document says, that’s not actually a priority for cities.”

She also argued that successful bike-share systems require dedicated street space and infrastructure, in order to support broad uptake and effective public transport integration. “Real investments in bike share means dedicated street space, capex investment that drives stronger ridership, modal integration, transit integration.”

Diversified fleets and wider availability

Jhon Alexander Ramirez, nextbike’s Public Affairs Manager, identified three major developments he sees as shaping the future of bike sharing: social leasing, increasing fleet diversity, and regionalisation of schemes. These aspects are evolving as operators look to serve a broader range of journey and user types.

On the topic of diversifying fleets, he said,“We are now talking about cargo bikes, tricycles and other special vehicles that are adapted to the needs of our population.” Regarding the growing importance of integrating bike sharing with wider transport systems beyond city centres, he stated, “We really consider it as a clear solution and a clear element to complement public transit in cities and regions.”