Analysing the equity of dockless bike-sharing based on service-opportunity accessibility and multi-source urban data

Bike-sharing is a convenient and sustainable transport mode with significant potential for promoting green travel and improving accessibility. However, spatial inequities in bike-sharing services often prevent these benefits from being fully realised. While numerous studies have examined bike-sharing services from an equity perspective, most focus on accessing bike-sharing facilities but overlook users’ ability to reach their preferred urban destinations using shared bikes. To address this gap, this study introduces an enhanced accessibility model, namely, service-opportunity accessibility (SOA), a measure which incorporates the attractiveness and accessibility of urban opportunities for bike-sharing trips. Using the kernel density-based balanced floating catchment area (KDBFCA) method, we evaluate the equity of dockless bike-sharing services based on the utility they provide to users. Based on multi-source urban data, we apply this model to assess the equity of dockless bike-sharing in Ningbo, China. The results reveal spatial and demographic inequities, with disadvantaged groups, including those living in peripheral areas and non-local residents, experiencing lower levels of accessibility. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive urban transport policies to enhance the equity of dockless bike-sharing services.