Abstract With public transport (PT) systems currently heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic, bike sharing systems (BSS) have gained a new importance as a substitute to car use in urban areas. A possible path to increase the BSS capability of replacing car trips is to understand why some car drivers are currently shifting to bike sharing. Consequently, this study analysed possible differences on the main reasons for using bike sharing between users replacing car trips and users replacing other modes of transport. To accomplish this, a travel behaviour survey was implemented to the users of Lisbon's BSS during the coronavirus pandemic. Among the main findings, users replacing car trips were more sensitive to travel cost reductions, while travel time reductions and the availability of e-bikes were more important to users shifting from PT or walking. Moreover, users replacing car trips and using BSS as a first/last mile connector to PT were less affected by the pandemic than similar users replacing PT or walking trips. Additionally, the main reasons for users to choose BSS instead of a personal bicycle were theft concerns followed by considering BSS to be more convenient. Findings suggest that policies focused on cost savings may be particularly relevant to induce further car modal shift to BSS.

    Highlights Reductions in travel costs are particularly important to users replacing car trips. The introduction of e-bikes may not be enough to attract car users to BSS. The advantages of BSS compared to personal bikes may attract new users to cycling.


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    Title :

    Factors influencing modal shift to bike sharing: Evidence from a travel survey conducted during COVID-19




    Publication date :

    2023-06-30




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English