Qualitative perspectives of bike share schemes in melbourne, Australia

Background

Bike share schemes are operational in many countries and aim to encourage modal shift from sedentary to active modes of transport. Understanding user experiences of bike share schemes can contribute to knowledge of motivations to use the schemes and barriers to use. Qualitative research into user experiences of bike share schemes in Australia has been conducted in Brisbane but not Melbourne, and most bike share scheme research is non-peer reviewed literature. This study describes experiences of bike share schemes in Melbourne.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 bike riders in Melbourne, Australia some of whom used bike share schemes and some who did not. Interviewees were asked about their experiences using bike share schemes in Melbourne.

Results

Bike share schemes provide a way for non-users to try bike riding without needing to purchase a bicycle. E-bike schemes are beneficial to people with health issues. User experiences of bike share schemes are not only related to the service itself, but also interactions with other road users and the overall bike riding environment. Mandatory helmet legislation was a barrier to using bike share schemes due to hygiene and convenience concerns.

Conclusions

Bike share schemes act as an entry to bike riding for people who do not own a bicycle. E-bike fleets are more accessible to people with health or mobility issues. Mandatory helmet legislation could be limiting bike riding's mode share in Melbourne. These findings are relevant to policy makers aiming to increase bike riding's mode share, introduce or expand bike share schemes or mandatory helmet legislation, or a combination of the two.