86% OF RESPONDENTS AGREED WITH THE STATEMENT THAT

bike share makes “ the city a better “ place to cycle

Bike Share Users Survey www.como.org.uk 2019 2019 Survey Result Key Findings

THE GENDER SPLIT OF BIKE SHARE SHARED EBIKE SCHEMES USERS IS MUCH MORE EVEN THAN FOR SUPPORT USERS TO CYCLE TO WORK GENERAL CYCLING MORE FREQUENTLY

60% OF THOSE USING EBIKES SHARE REPORTED THAT THEY WERE 40% 58% COMMUTING FEMALE MALE DATA AVERAGED OVER 4 YEARS OF RESULTS

BIKE SHARE ENABLES USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT BY OFFERING A LAST MILE SOLUTION.

48% SPECIFICALLY REPORTED ON EXERCISE/PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS AS REASONS WHY THEY CHOOSE TO USE THE BIKE SHARE SCHEME 23% RESPONDENTS USE BIKE SHARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BUS BIKE SHARE IS A TOOL FOR RE-ENGAGING CYCLISTS. – 35% RESPONDENTS USE BIKE SHARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRAIN DATA AVERAGED OVER 4 YEARS OF RESULTS

46% BIKE SHARE USERS SAID THE BIKE SHARE SCHEME WAS THE CATALYST TO CYCLING (AGAIN) This report presents the results of the fourth annual Bike Share Users Survey; the only such research being carried out across The survey is a key tool for understanding the impacts of bike share schemes, and how the UK’s bike share sector the UK. The survey is key to is performing.

It has been a year of mixed It can be argued that now, providing the evidence of the fortunes for bike share. New more than ever, there is a schemes have developed need to understand the scale in Edinburgh, and Cardiff and range of impacts of bike social and environmental impacts plus there are many new share. operations in . of public bike share. However, the year has This report looks at key policy also seen several schemes areas such as whether bike closing (Derby, Reading and share can support health Northampton). and wellbeing, and trigger sustainable travel behaviours, The data has been reviewed The problems experienced as well as assessing are mainly due to business differences due to gender, by an independent analyst and models and vandalism, and do geography and e-bikes. not negate the benefits that providing on-street public it is presented in the context bike hire can provide. of the previous three years of results years to create a robust assessment of the sector.

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 01 Methodology

The Bike Share User Survey In total, 2,405 responses 3000 CoMoUK bike share user There was a more even was produced by CoMoUK were received, comparing survey responses geographical spread of (previously Carplus Bikeplus) to 1,790 in 2018. It is difficult responses this year (albeit in conjunction with, UK bike to assess the number of 2405 that response numbers do share operators, and local bike share users due to 2250 not reflect the size of the authority representatives. their transient nature but schemes, with London under- It was distributed via email, data collected by CoMoUK represented). Response 1790 and social media, to users estimates that there are over numbers broke down as: of schemes in 35 towns 600,000 current active users, 1500 Glasgow 26%, Brighton 20%, and cities, run by: Hourbike, in the UK and over 100,000 Cardiff 10%, Edinburgh 7%, , , Beryl, Lime, outside London. Responses London 16%, Milton Keynes Jump, Freebike, , from the London Santander 5% and Stirling 5%. 750 891 / ITS, Brompton Bike Cycle scheme are low as this NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS Of those responding, 70% of Hire, Co-bikes and Liverpool scheme has its own survey. 649 City Cycles. between the 10th Taking the response numbers users had joined a scheme in June and 22nd July 2019. of the users in relation to the last 2 years - 34% in 2019 As in previous years, as an user of other schemes it is 0 and 36% in 2018 incentive, respondents were estimated the response rate 2016 2017 2018 2019 given the opportunity to enter is around 2%. a prize draw to win one of 5 £50 shopping vouchers. 610 respondents reported that they used an electric bike when bike sharing, and their responses are analysed separately in some instances.

The results were analysed by independent consultant Conor Walsh and verified by Dr Sally Cairns, of Sally Cairns & Associates Ltd.

02 Bike Share Users Survey 2019 Demographic of bike share users

The gender split for bike share Results averaged for 70% users, as indicated from the 2016-2019 give a ratio of 2019 survey, was 61% male 58:40% (with the remaining compared to 37% female 2% classified as ‘prefer not 53% (with 2% of the sample not to say’). responding, ‘other’ or ‘prefer 35% not to say’). The proportion of These figures can be women was somewhat lower compared to the latest than in previous years. National Travel Survey 18% (England 2018), where, on Male average, only 29% of cycle Female trips were carried out by 0 women. 2016 2017 2018 2019

Age Ethnicity Employment THE GENDER SPLIT OF BIKE SHARE USERS IS MUCH MORE EVEN THAN FOR The age spread of bike share The percentage of White 82% of respondents stated GENERAL CYCLING users was from 15 to 75 with British respondents was they were employed; 11% the majority in the 25-54 66% in 2019, down from were students; and 2% were category (78%), including 73% in 2018, and there was retired. Less than 1% were 30% in the 25-34 group, 29% a subsequent slight increase unemployed. The remaining in the 35-44 group and 19% in in the percentage of other chose “other” or “prefer not the 45-54 group. ethnic backgrounds: 20% to say”. Responses were selected the category “white received from all income other”, 4% identified as Asian groups. Of those who / Asian British, 3% as “mixed answered the question about 40% 58% multiple ethnicity” and 7% as individual personal income FEMALE MALE DATA AVERAGED OVER 4 YEARS OF RESULTS other ethnicities. (50%), 21% were on an income of less than £20,000 including 9% of the total who were on an income of less than £10,000.

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 03 Potential to attract new cyclists

As with the survey responses from previous years, the data indicates that bike share is Looking back at the data from the four a catalyst to re-engaging with cycling. A total of 46%, said that bike share was a trigger years of surveys, on average, over 20% of to them cycling again - 26% of respondents said they had begun cycling after a gap of 1 respondents reported that the bike share year or more, and a further 18% hadn’t ridden a bicycle for between 1 and 4 years. scheme was a trigger to cycling (again).

60 New to cycling or a gap 26% 55% of 5 years or more 26% 40

20% 23% 23% 20 22% 4% 18% 0 13% Cycling for the first Cycling for the first Cycling for the first None of the above 13% time ever time after a long time after a shorter - I already cycled break (5 years +) break (1-4 years) 7%

0 When looking at the gender split of responses to the question, a higher proportion of women were more likely to have started cycling for the first time or after a 5+ year break. 2016 2017 2018 2019

CYCLING AFTER A SHORT 21% Male ABOUT BREAK (1-4 YEARS) THE SAME 16% AS BEFORE Female BIKE SHARE IS A TOOL FOR RE-ENGAGING CYCLISTS. CYCLING AFTER LONG 27% BREAK OF 5+ YEARS 20%

CYCLING FOR 0.5% THE FIRST TIME 0.03%

NONE OF THE ABOVE- 48% 46% ALREADY CYCLED 61% BIKE SHARE USERS SAID THE BIKE SHARE SCHEME WAS THE CATALYST TO 0% 17.5% 35% 52.5% 70% CYCLING (AGAIN)

04 Bike Share Users Survey 2019 Increasing cycling trips

The survey asked whether Results for those who use users had changed the bike share for commuting amount that they cycle (between 1-5 days a week) since they started using increases the proportion of the scheme. Well over half those cycling much more (63%) reported an increase, often to 42% indicating with 40% stating that they that providing bike share are cycling more often and in locations which support a further 23% choosing the commuting may particularly option indicating that they are increase the amount that cycling “much more often.” people cycle.

Change in cycling levels since using bike share BIKE SHARE IS A COMPLEMENT TO OWNERSHIP

LESS 4% OFTEN 2%

ABOUT 33% THE SAME AS BEFORE 16%

MORE 40% OFTEN 12% 36% OF USERS WENT ON TO BUY A BIKE – MUCH MORE 22% OFTEN 42% 47% USE A PERSONAL BIKE AS WELL 0% 12.5% 25% 37.5% 50% AS BIKE SHARE.

All Use bike share for commuting between 1-5 days a week

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 05 Health benefits

There is a large amount of BIKE SHARE OFFERS A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE PHYSICAL evidence to support the theory ACTIVITY LEVELS that bike share increases physical activity, and has positive impacts on both mental and physical health.

When asked about the total amount of moderate or vigorous exercise done in the last week through using 13% bike share – 12% said they OF RESPONDENTS REPORTED THAT had done the Government’s THIS WAS THE ONLY MODERATE TO VIGOROUS EXERCISE THEY GET ON A recommended 2.5 hours a REGULAR (WEEKLY) BASIS week or more, whilst 23% had done between 1 and 2.5 hours. 37% reported that they had done none, presumably because they had not used the scheme, whilst 29% had done less than an hour.) 13% of respondents reported 48% that use of bike share is the SPECIFICALLY REPORTED ON EXERCISE/PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS only moderate to vigorous AS REASONS WHY THEY CHOOSE TO exercise they get on a regular USE THE BIKE SHARE SCHEME (weekly) basis

29% REPORTED ON MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS, AS REASONS WHY THEY CHOOSE TO USE BIKE SHARE SCHEMES

06 Bike Share Users Survey 2019 Personal benefits of opting to travel by bike share

Respondents were asked to choose ‘all that applied’ from a list of reasons for using the bike share scheme. The 2019 survey results reinforce previous results, showing that convenience (time savings, and ease), exercise and fresh air were the top reasons for choosing bike share.

TO MAKE MY JOURNEY EASIER 61%

TO SAVE 56% TIME

FUN AND 49% FRESH AIR

EXERCISE / PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS 48%

ENVIRONMENTAL 39% REASONS

AVOID WORRY OF OWN BIKE MAINTENANCE, STORAGE, THEFT 32%

TO AVOID TAKING MY BIKE ON TRAIN, BUS, CAR 29%

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS 29%

GETTING TO PLACES NOT SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT 27%

CHEAPER THAN 27% OTHER MODES

AVOID TRAFFIC CONGESTION 26% OR CAR PARKING PROBLEMS

BACK UP FOR WHEN MY 26% USUAL MODE ISN’T AVAILABLE

CHEAPER THAN BUYING A BIKE 19%

TO TRY CYCLING 8%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 07 Trip purpose

Respondents were asked how There was some regional The proportion of users SHARED EBIKE SCHEMES SUPPORT USERS TO CYCLE TO WORK often they use bike share for variation in trip purpose. In commuting by bike share MORE FREQUENTLY a range of different journey the larger cities, commuting more than doubled, when purposes. 30% of respondents was more commonly reported, looking at the sub-sample used a bike to travel to work whilst the areas with more nice (610 respondents) with access at least once a week, and a cycle rides along the sea front, to electrically-assisted bikes. further 12% of respondents in the country or parks had a used a bike for a business trip higher proportion of leisure at least once a week. Other trip trips 60% purposes included: cycling for OF THOSE USING EBIKES SHARE REPORTED THAT THEY WERE leisure (41% >1 trip per month); COMMUTING personal business trips, (52% >1trip per month) and visiting friends and family (35% >1trip per month).

Leisure travel at WARWICK least one day a week

STIRLING Business travel MILTON at least one KEYNES day a week 70%

LONDON Commuting at 52.5% least one day GLASGOW a week

35% EDINBURGH Business travel at least one day a week CARDIFF 17.5%

BRIGHTON Commuting at 0% least one day a week 0% 20% 40% 60% EBIKE ALL

08 Bike Share Users Survey 2019 Mode shift for commuting

Bike share commuters (1,220 A separate question Split out by city, there are more respondents switching from respondents) were asked how asked whether bike share car in less dense cities such as Cardiff and Brighton. they previously travelled to commuters had changed the work. (Respondents could amount they use their car. If you use bike share for commuting, which mode(s) did bike choose more than one option 37% said they were using their share replace? (Selected cities) and a significant proportion car either much less (12%) indicated that they used or less (25%). The remaining bike share in addition rather respondents were using their Taxi Bus than instead of to their usual car about the same amount. Private Car (as driver) Walking mode). (Respondents were given the option to choose more often, Private Bicycle Local train, tram The results for all cities or much more often, but did or underground combined were: Bike share is in addition to not do so.) my existing mode • 32% previously walked

• 21% were using the bus, and 9% switched from the train LONDON

• 6% previously used their own bike

• 17% said they previously GLASGOW travelled by car (driver or passenger) or taxi, suggesting the potential for bike share to reduce BIKE SHARE CARDIFF REDUCES CAR USE congestion and pollution.

BRIGHTON

17% ALL OF BIKE SHARE COMMUTERS HAD PREVIOUSLY TRAVELLED BY CAR (DRIVER OR PASSENGER) OR TAXI 0% 15% 30% 45% 60%

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 09 Electric bikes in bike share

The extent to which people SHARED EBIKES REDUCE CAR USE EVEN MORE THAN CONVENTIONAL were able to reduce their car BIKE SHARE use was higher for those with access to electric bikes in their scheme.

Around a quarter of respondents using e-bikes said they used their cars 23% ‘much less often’ as opposed OF RESPONDENTS USING SHARED to only 12% of the whole EBIKES SAID THEY USED THEIR CARS MUCH LESS OFTEN AS OPPOSED TO sample, and figures were also ONLY 12% OF THE WHOLE SAMPLE higher for those saying ‘less often’

70% E-Bike(N=154)

All 61%

47%

35%

30%

23% 23%

12%

0% MUCH LESS LESS OFTEN SAME OFTEN

10 Bike Share Users Survey 2019 Multi modal trips

Bike share adds flexibility and chaining with bike share has BIKE SHARE ENABLES USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT BY OFFERING convenience to journeys, and varied considerably, as the A LAST MILE SOLUTION. is often used for either the survey has been influenced first or last mile. by geographical differences in responses. This year, it is For their most recent trip only 11% of responses but it using bike share, 19% of has been as high as 40%. respondents used bike share The average is 26%. in conjunction with the bus, and 28% with the train. When asked about their Looking at this data over 4 views on the statement years the average is 23% bus “bike share enhances / 35% train. The extent to public transport”, 89% which the car is part of trip of respondents agreed. 23% RESPONDENTS USE BIKE SHARE IN CONJUNCTION– WITH THE BUS Bus Local Train, Tram or 35% Private Car Undeground RESPONDENTS USE BIKE SHARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRAIN DATA AVERAGED OVER 4 YEARS OF RESULTS 50%

45% 37.5% 40% 40% 36%

25% 28% 25% 26% 26%

20% 19% 12.5% 15% 11%

0% 2016 2017 2018 2019

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 11 Trip Customer Dockless vs length satisfaction station based

In terms of the trips made When asked to rate the Around half of respondents Of those respondents who using bike share, around a different aspects of the indicated that they preferred indicated that they hadn’t third (32%) of respondents public bike share service, hybrid models of bike share, used a scheme yet (323 reported their most recent the majority of elements where bikes are mostly found respondents), around one ride was between 5-15mins were rated as ‘very’ or ‘fairly in stations but can also be third mentioned that this was and just under half (43%) said satisfactory’ by at least 70% found and parked elsewhere. due to a lack of convenient 15-30mins. of respondents. The remainder were split stations, whilst another between those who preferred 20% said they preferred A few aspects had lower When looking at the time ‘free-floating’ bike share and to use their own bike. levels of endorsement such taken to walk to a bike, most those who preferred fully Disappointingly, 13% said they as gears (66% rated these people (62%) said it was a station-based options. hadn’t hired a bike as they as ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied), less than a 5-minute walk had encountered a specific customer service (62%) and The survey showed that a lack while a quarter said it took problem with the service communications (59%). of bikes in particular areas them 5-10mins. Slightly lower when trying to hire a bike. discouraged many users from times were reported from Station coverage remained as trying a bike share scheme. the drop-off location to final one of the lowest rated areas, Not being able to guarantee destination. with 27% of respondents an available bike also resulted saying they were very or fairly in many riders giving up on dissatisfied. This was also using a scheme prematurely. the main topic raised in free Lack of coverage at transport comments. hubs, including stations, also made many journeys impractical.

The most common comment from respondents remains requests for wider coverage areas.

12 Bike Share Users Survey 2019 Use of co-mobility services

Respondents were asked as a Service), whilst 42% said How likely are you to use the follwoing types of trnsport about how likely they were they were likely to hire shared (if they were available in your area)? to use other shared mobility e-scooters if they were made services, with the options legal on UK roads. Around a SHARED ELECTRIC of ‘already using it’, ‘likely quarter of people said they BICYCLES 11% 60% 16% 13% to use’, ‘unlikely to use’ and were likely to use car clubs, ‘unsure/don’t know’. 60% said ride share, shared taxis and SHARED ELECTRIC they were ‘likely to use’ shared demand responsive bus ( STAND UP) SCOOTERS 2% 42% 40% 16% electric bikes. 44% were likely services. ( NOT YET LEGAL IN THE UK) to use a monthly account / SHARED CARS contract giving use of a range (SELF SERVICE SHORT 9% 28% 50% 14% of transport services (Mobility TERM CAR HIRE)

SHARED RIDE IN PRIVATE CAR ( DRIVER 8% 23% 54% 15% OR PASSENGER) BIKE SHARE USERS ARE LIKELY TO USE OTHER SHARED MOBILITY SERVICES SHARED TAXI (2+ PASSENGERS) 7% 28% 52% 13%

SHARED ON DEMAND MINI BUS 2% 25% 56% 17%

A MONTHLY ACCOUNT / CONTRACT GIVING USE OF A RANGE OF 2% 44% 32% 22% TRANSPORT SERVICES 60% 23% 42% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% SHARED RIDE SHARE SHARED ELECTRIC BIKES (PRIVATE CAR) ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

Already using Unlilkely to use

Likely to use Unsure or don’t know

28% 28% 25% SHARED CARS SHARED SHARED ON (CAR CLUBS) TAXIS DEMAND MINI BUS

Bike Share Users Survey 2019 13

(no. 1093980) and Scotland SC044682). CoMoUK is a registered charity in England and Wales CoMoUK is a registered charity in England and Wales

Find out more about bike share online at Acknowledgements www.como.org.uk | [email protected] Thanks to Conor Walsh and Sally Cairns Registered office: of Sally Cairns Associates for their Kings House, King Street, Leeds LS1 2HH support with survey design and analysis.