Impacts of free bike share on social determinants among college students: a protocol for a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction

Bike share shows promise in enhancing health and reducing transportation barriers for college students, especially those from lower-income households. However, limited research has employed a pre-post study design to investigate health benefits, and studies have not stayed current with the evolving technology of bike share systems that expand its usage potential. This paper aims to investigate the impact of providing free one-year bike share memberships to university students on adoption rates, GPS-tracked usage patterns, and the resulting changes in students’ health and well-being, addressing transportation barriers and promoting active lifestyles.

Methods

A non-randomized quasi-experimental design is used at a Midwestern urban university involving two groups – an intervention group with a 1 -year bike share membership (n = 150) and a control group receiving a $10 gift card (n = 120) – assessing study aims with baseline and follow-up surveys conducted from August 2023 to May 2024.

Results

The study aims to address income and health inequities by investigating the impact of free access to a city-wide bike share system, anticipating positive outcomes on physical activity, access to necessities, and other social determinants of health. We anticipate follow-up data collection to be completed in May 2024.

Conclusion

By analyzing updated origin-destination and route data from a dockless bike share system, the research will contribute valuable insights into transportation equity, socio-demographic characteristics, and health impacts, potentially influencing sustainability, social inclusion, education and transportation policy.