Shared bikes and e-bikes are rapidly gaining ground and are now available in 43 towns and cities across the UK. And local authorities play an important role in the promotion of such schemes.
Our recent Annual Bike Share Report surveyed thousands of users nationwide and found that in 2022, more than 54,285 trips were taken daily, ranging from short commutes to lengthy journeys. What's even more impressive is that joining a bike share scheme encouraged six out of 10 users to cycle again after a year or more of inactivity, with 7% even discovering the joy of cycling for the first time.
The benefits of bike sharing extend far beyond personal health and well-being, playing a crucial role in our ongoing battle against climate change. If bike-sharing was not an option, 47% of individuals would use cars or taxis as their next preferred mode of transport. Overall, we find that each bike share user is reducing car use by about five miles a week, equivalent to 71kg of CO2e emissions saved every year.
Initiatives such as 20-minute neighbourhoods are important, but they need to contain the right ingredients to make them the fullest possible success as no single intervention can achieve net zero targets on its own.
That’s why we need to see more mobility hubs in our communities across the UK to help coordinate shared transport such as bike hire schemes with public transport and active travel options.
In new developments, we must cap space for private cars to reduce demand for individual vehicle ownership and ensure space for shared transport. There is a need to change the spatial planning rules of the game also, something we are advocating for.
To ensure the success of bike sharing initiatives, it is crucial for local authorities to take decisive action and allocate the necessary funding and infrastructure support, as well as integrating bike sharing into transport strategies and infrastructure plans.
Our research highlights significant funding gaps faced by operators in some areas, reaching up to £300,000 per year. These gaps can be filled by options such as developer contributions, Government funding, corporate memberships, and advertising opportunities.
In areas with high demand, particularly central and inner London boroughs, bike share schemes may not require financial support. However, local authorities must carefully consider the economic aspects of these schemes and avoid imposing unrealistic financial burdens.
Other practical steps include repurposing car parking spaces to accommodate bike bays or docks, minimising obstructions for pedestrians. Furthermore, establishing active partnerships with the police and local councils is crucial to address vandalism issues and maintain low operational costs.
Lastly, whenever possible, contract lengths should align with the lifespan of the bike share scheme, ensuring long-term viability.
We need to address the mileage driven by cars, in particular, in the UK, as this makes up the bulk of transport emissions which in turn make up the largest single per sector level of emissions in the country. Bike share schemes have a vital role to play in delivering part of the reduction in emissions that is needed.
Together, let's drive the bike sharing revolution forward and create more transport options that are sustainable and accessible for everyone. By investing in bike sharing and working together, we can create a greener, healthier, and more vibrant future. Let's take action and make a positive impact.
Richard Dilks is chief executive of Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK).
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