User characteristics influencing use of a bicycle-sharing system integrated into an intermodal transport network in Spain

Abstract

The factors that influence the adoption of bicycle sharing as part of an urban multimodal public transport network are important for creating a less car dependent lifestyle and more sustainable mobility. This study analyses the socio-demographic and behavioral factors influencing the use of a public bicycle-sharing system (BSS) integrated into a public transport network of local buses, metro, and commuter trains. The data were obtained through a face-to-face survey conducted with a sample of 1,984 users registered with MalagaBici BSS in Spain and analyzed using a hierarchical tree-based regression method (CHAID). The findings show the patterns of BSS use in combination with other means of transport: users habitually use only the BSS or use it in combination with walking. Three variables with significant predictive power have been identified: place of residence (Chi-square = 105.833, d.f. = 5, p = 0.000), time required to access the bicycle docking station (Chi-square = 68.125, d.f. = 15, p = 0.000) and the age of the user (Chi-square = 26.496, d.f. = 5, p = 0.005). Our findings suggest the need to improve the intermodal use of BSS in combination with other means of public or private transport, for multimodal trips. The implications for public transport managers, policy makers and researchers are discussed.

Keywords:

• Bicycle sharing
• public transport
• multimodal commuting
• CHAID

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Malaga City Council, Empresa Malagueña de Transportes and Cátedra de Gestión del Transporte (Transport Management Lab) of the University of Malaga, with the data collection.