Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on characteristic of bike-sharing systems near metro and bus stations

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various modes of mobility as it spread rapidly worldwide, leading to changes in the landscape of transportation. This research focuses on comparing the usage of bike-sharing and the shifts in cycling behaviour before (2019) and after (2020) the pandemic outbreak in Daejeon, South Korea. Additionally, it examines the role of bike-sharing as a supplementary mode of transport for public transportation systems such as buses and metros during these periods. Our analysis revealed that bike-sharing has become a more prominent mode of transport after the pandemic. We developed a model to calculate the demand ratio of bike-sharing within the catchment areas of bus and metro stations to assess its impact as a supplementary mode. The results indicate an increase in the usage of some dockless bike stations in the catchment areas of buses and metros by 0.22% and 7.29%, respectively. We also conducted a correlation analysis using Point of Interest (POI) data to understand the factors influencing bike-sharing usage. The findings suggest that travel behaviours have shifted towards commercial and recreational destinations. Given its cost-effectiveness and flexibility, bike-sharing could be a sustainable option for urban mobility. Therefore, city planners in Daejeon can use the results of this study to promote bike-sharing and cycling as viable transportation alternatives.

HIGHLIGHTS

• COVID-19 increased bike-sharing by 0.22% near metros and 7.29% near bus stations.

• Bike-sharing demand rose at 70% of Daejeon stations during COVID-19, showing adaptability.

• Bike-sharing use shifted to commercial trips, aiding urban mobility during the pandemic.

• A ratio-based model highlighted increased bike use as a public transport supplement.

• Commercial area correlation indicates a shift from transit to leisure use during COVID-19.

KEYWORDS:

• Bike sharing
• COVID-19
• Metro station
• Bus station
• Feeder mode

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government(MSIT) [grant number 2021R1C1C1006405].