Structure and dynamics of a public bike-sharing system. Case study of the public transport system in Białystok

Abstract

Abstract The article presents the results of a research project referring to the dynamics of the public bike-sharing system BiKeR (Białystok, Poland) in 2014-2015. Identification of the dynamics of the system permits modifications that lead to the enhancement of the efficiency and help to determine the reasons for the choice of a location for new bicycle stations. The basic methodology used for compiling data were the statistical methods with special emphasis on network analysis and graph theory. Analysis of the data allowed us to identify the mechanisms of changes in the system affecting its dynamics, especially in the area of network topology changes in conjunction with the location of network nodes (stations). The research and analysis showed the specificity of PBS as a transport network. The PBS network, the process of analysis, the value of network metrics and their distribution differ significantly from other types of transport networks (including municipal). The results improve decision-making processes related to the creation and modification of a PBS network, especially in the field of process support, the choice of station location and the impact of these choices on the networks dynamics (as a prognostic utility).