EC04 SHARED BICYCLES AND PMV

Aim

To reduce the carbon footprint of cycling in the city by optimising its use. Promote the use of bicycles and other VMPs on last mile and tourist journeys instead of cars. Encourage occasional users who do not need a bicycle or other PMV on a daily basis to use them on some of their trips. Increasing public transport coverage

Why?

The reasons behind this type of measure are the same as those used in other measures in this catalogue relating to sustainable modes of transport. But this type of solution will also reduce the carbon footprint of the production of these vehicles.

Implementing bicycle systems or other public PMVs has several advantages:
• It reduces the purchase of these types of vehicles, optimising their use and reducing their carbon footprint.
• It increases the use of this type of vehicle, becoming a catalyst for the use of bicycles or other modes, provided that measures are taken to increase the users’ safety.
• Add one more last mile option, at a lower cost than other types of public transportation.
• It can contribute to an increase in the use of public transport if the two systems are integrated, by increasing their coverage.
• It reduces congestion.
• It allows to manage the demand of transport, increasing the accessibility.
• It increases the city’ s attractiveness for tourism.
• Creates opportunities for advertising and the city branding.
• In the case of bicycles: health benefits.
• Creates local jobs.

How?

As with all measures that represent a major change in the city, political leadership and broad support are needed. Long-term action and investment will be needed to make the system efficient. In any case, the first step will be to set the objectives of the system and carry out a feasibility study, since depending on the type of system and management, the results can be very different. The size of the city also has a great influence on the choice of the system and its management. If the system is based on base stations, it will be necessary to define the network of stations, which must be integrated with the other transport systems. If the system allows picking up and dropping off units anywhere (dockless), it will be necessary to consider the conditions under which companies will be able to operate in the city.

For a system to be successful it must meet the following conditions (ITDP, 2013):
• A dense network of stations, with a distance between them up to 300 m.
• Comfortable vehicles, with special elements that discourage theft or resale, as well as anti-vandalism.
• If you are using bases, a fully automatic system for fixation to them, allowing easy and quick removal and delivery.
• A vehicle location system that identifies both the vehicle and the user.
• Real-time management of station occupancy, relocating units when necessary.
• Real-time information on different platforms.
• Price structure that encourages short trips, so as to maximize the number of trips per unit and day.

Classification of PMVs. Source: Spanish Traffic Department (DGT)

PMVs are classified according to height and dangerous angles that can cause injury to a person in a hit and run. Dangerous angles are defined as those less than 110° oriented in the direction of advance of the VMP, or towards the driver or passengers.