Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 2017 September 2017

BIKEPLUS

Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 201701

Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 2017 The second annual Bikeplus survey combines robust data, and expert opinion to provide a snapshot of how the UK’s* bike share sector is performing.

Bike share as a mode of transport is becoming more popular. The survey explores how individuals use, and engage with bike share schemes, the perceived health and wellbeing benefits of cycling, and how schemes can influence travel choices by encouraging more sustainable travel behaviours.

This year, the survey looks at a wider demographic area, and includes new questions about electric bike share usage, and the motivations of new riders. Dock-less scheme data will be covered in the 2018 survey.

* Excluding London

23% started or re-started cycling (after a gap of at least 5 years)

43% started riding more as a result of joining the bike share scheme

68% of of bike share uses stated their main reason for using bike share was exercise, 79% convenience, and 56% time savings

25% used bike share bikes in combination with the bus

40% used bike share bikes in combination with the train

23% chose a bike share bike instead of a car for their most frequent trip

58% 41%MEN WOMEN

BIKESHARE USERS

56% 68% 79%

T I ME S

AV

ING

EXERCISE AN

D FRESH AIR

CON

VEN

IENC

E

02Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 2017

The survey shows that at least 66% of riders have begun cycling, or are cycling more as a result of using a bike share scheme. It’s important to note that results vary across the country.

• 23% of survey respondents outside of London said they have either begun or restarted cycling after a break of at least 5 years, as a result of the bike share scheme. In addition, a further 43% of respondents in the UK have increased their use of bikes. So in total 66% of bike share members are riding bikes more as a result of using bike share schemes.

• 46% of bike share members surveyed by TfL in 2016 say they started cycling as a result of the scheme

• 60% of casual bike share users in London started cycling as a result of using the scheme.

Active bike share users were asked what encouraged them to try a scheme. Convenience, and the opportunity to try cycling without the need for a purchase, along with the benefits of accessing bikes near workplaces, and safe traffic free routes were popular responses. Some respondents noted that they felt the scheme looked fun, and that the low-cost element was a primary factor in choosing bike share over another mode of transport, including a similarly priced bus fare.

18% of respondents indicated that they had purchased a personal bike as a direct result of joining a bike share scheme. Results from TfL confirm this, showing that a scheme can act as an introduction to ownership. For those that already own a bike, or those new to the concept of cycling regularly, the convenience of sharing, and accessibility are key drivers.

The 2016 UK National Travel Survey shows many more men cycling than women (average 22 vs 8 trips per year). The bike share user survey results show a much more even gender balance amongst users, with 58% male and 41% female.

Potential to attract new cyclists

Gender

Attracting a wider demographic

5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

PURCHASE A BIKE

INCREASE CYCLING

START OR RESTART (AFTER A BREAK OF 5 YEARS OR MORE)

0% 20% 40% 60%

OTHER / PREFER NOT TO SAY

FEMALE

MALE 58%

1%

41%

23%

43%

18%

Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 201703

There is a wide age spread amongst users with respondents represented in age groups from 18 to 60+. The highest number of respondents (29%) fell in the 31-40 age group but a further 20% were 41-50. It appears that bike share can appeal to all age brackets.

The vast majority of respondents were in full or part time employment with less than 1% being unemployed. Those using the scheme typically fell into the income bracket £21-40,000, although 15% of users earned less than £10,000 a year which matches the proportion of students and retired customers.

10%

10%

05%

20%

20%

30%

30%

40%

40%

50%

50%

10%

60%

60%

15%

70%

20%

80%

25%

PREFER NOT TO SAY

61 OR OLDER

51-60

41-50

UNEMPLOYED

31-40

RETIRED

21-30

STUDENT

18-20

PART TIME

17 OR YOUNGER

FULL TIME

£10,000 OR LESS

£11,000 - £20,000

£21,000 - £30,000

£31,000 - £40,000

£41,000 - £50,000

£50,000 OR ABOVE

Age

Employment status

Gender vs ExperienceThe data suggested that males were more likely to use a bike share scheme. 58% compared to 41% of females. However, the gender split of those who have started cycling for the first time, or after a break of five years is interesting. Almost 55% of respondents in this category were female. This supports previous Bikeplus survey results which showed that bike share is an attractive option for many underrepresented groups, including women.

0.2%

0.8%

3.3%

13.5%

14%

23.5%

10%

22.5%

12%

13.5%

5%

0.8%

22.6%

71%

15%

29.2%

19.5%

17.8%

6.6%

58% 43%41% 55%MEN MENWOMEN WOMEN

BIKESHARE USERS

PEO

PLE

WH

O S

TARTED OR RE-STARTED

CY

CLIN

G

04Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 2017

There is a large amount of evidence to support the theory that bike share, and subsequent improved physical activity impacts both mental, and physical health positively. Respondents told us that cycling helped them feel happier, healthier, and more confident. Although the 2017 results aren’t as pronounced as the 2016 survey results, the data allows us to confidently state that active travel helps create a better all-round sense of well-being.

When looking at ethnicity 76% of users were white British, 2% Black, 4% Asian and 14% mixed ethnicity or belonged to another unlisted ethnic group.

10%

10%

10%

20%

20%

20%

30%

30%

30%

40%

40%

40%

50%

50%

50%

60% 70% 80%

60%

60%

PREFER NOT TO SAY

OTHER ETHNIC GROUP

BLACK: AFRICAN / CARIBBEAN / BRITISH

NO

I FEEL HEALTHIER

ASIAN / ASIAN BRITISH

YES SLIGHTLY

I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT

MIXED / MULTIPLE ETHNIC GROUP

YES CONSIDERABLY

I FEEL HAPPIER

WHITE BRITISH

Physical and mental health benefits

Ethnicity

57%

22%

25%

50%

56%

28%

Bike share adds flexibility and convenience to journeys, and is often used as either the first or last mile.

25% of respondents used bike share in conjunction with the bus, and 40% with the train.

Multi modal trips

10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

TAXI

PRIVATE CAR ( AS DRIVER )

PRIVATE CAR ( AS PASSENGER )

UNDERGROUND TRAM OR LIGHT RAIL

CAR CLUB CAR

TRAIN

BUS

4.9%

3.3%

4.3%

1.6%

9.8%

76%

26%

39%

3%

33%

10.5%

7%

1.5%

Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 201705

A noticeable change in year on year results indicate that as per recent reports from operators, bike share schemes are being used more, and more to support commuting trips. 22% of respondents used a bike to travel to work at least once a week, and a further 8% of respondents used a bike for a business trip. 12% of those surveyed used a bike at least three times per week to travel to work.

Cycling for pleasure, or fitness remained high on the list of reasons to use a bike share scheme, along with leisure trips, and shopping.

The survey asked respondents to answer a number of questions about their most frequent trip. The typical distance of this trip travelled was between 2 – 4 miles. Most ebike trips showed a similar distance, although this is to be expected as part of a docking station scheme. However, the results did show that ebike users travelling over seven miles make up approx. 16% of respondents, compared to 6% of all users.

Trip purpose

Trip distance

PERSONAL BUSINESS

APPROX 3-4 MILES

FOR PLEASURE OR FITNESS

APPROX 5-7 MILES

A PLACE OF LEISURE

APPROX 8-10 MILES

CYCLING TO A PLACE OF EDUCATION

10+ MILES

BUSINESS TRAVEL NOT COMMUTING

COMMUTING

CYCLING TO THE SHOPS

APPROX 2 MILES

VISITING A FRIEND

UP TO 1 MILE

Users were asked how they previously travelled for the trip that they now most frequently complete by bike share:

• 44% previously walked

• 23% were using the bus before, and 8% switched from the train

• 23% said they previously travelled by car or taxi suggesting potential for bike share in reducing congestion and pollution. This is backed up by question 23 which asks what percentage of short local car trips were replaced by bike share. 47% of respondents said they were replacing at least some trips

• 16% previously used their own bike

• 13% previously didn’t carry out this journey suggesting public bike share is providing new opportunities

10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

OWN BICYCLE

TAXI

PRIVATE CAR ( AS DRIVER )

PRIVATE CAR ( AS PASSENGER )

UNDERGROUND OR TRAM

EMPLOYER SHUTTLE BUS

WALKING

I WOULDN’T HAVE DONE THIS TRIP

BEFORE

CAR CLUB CAR

TRAIN

BUS

Mode shifts

05%

10%

21.5%

8%

5%

3%

3%

10.5%

18%

11%

23%

8%

16%

4.5%

13%

6%

4%

0.7%

1.4%

44%

13%

8%

32%

12%

37%

8%

14%

10% 15%

20%

20%

30%

25%

40%

TRAVEL LONGER DISTANCES 59%

TO CONSIDER BUYING ONE 34%

AVOIDING FATIGUE OR GETTING SWEAT 60%

CYCLE UP HILLS 71.5%

HEALTH DIFFICULTIES OR FITNESS LEVELS 26.5%

REDUCE MY JOURNEY TIME 53%

06Public Bike Share Users Survey Results 2017

As with the 2016 Bikeplus and TFL survey results, convenience, exercise and fresh air were the top reasons for choosing bike share. When analysing results from responses rated important, or very important, we noticed:

• 68% said gaining exercise, 79% said convenience, and 69% said fresh air. The top three reasons for joining were echoed in the London TfL survey.

• Environmental reasons have become more important, with 68% of respondents choosing this option. This could possibly be due to an increased awareness of air quality issues.

• Avoiding congestion / parking problems (new category) was joint 5th place, along with time saving at 56%.

• 51% of respondents experienced a direct time saving benefit as part of their most typical bike share trip. 10% experienced an increase, and 39% reported that their journey time remained the same.

• 55% of respondents reported that using a bike share scheme saved them money.

• A significant number liked being able to avoid the worry of maintenance (36%), storage (44%), and theft (45%).

• An additional new question was added to the 2017 survey asking how important bike share was as a back up to a usual mode of transport. For example, a car being out of action, or a bus strike.

Two public bike share schemes now offer electric bikes. Oxford has a mixed fleet, and Exeter has a fully electric ebike scheme. We hope to learn more about the impacts of convenient low-cost access to this emerging technology as more schemes add ebikes. It should be noted that initial results are based upon the answers of 57 respondents. We recognise that this is a small sample, and would encourage readers to consult other studies including the Department for Transport funded Shared Electric Bike Programme information, all available on the Carplus Bikeplus website.

Preliminary results suggested that the primary reasons for choosing an ebike over a normal bike include: cycling up hills (71% of users), avoiding fatigue or getting sweaty (60%) followed by travelling longer distances (59%).34% said they were using it as a tool to decide whether to buy an ebike.

Reasons for opting to travel by bike share

Electric bike users

20%

20%

40%

40%

60%

60%

80%

80%

79.5%CONVENIENCE

63%ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS

46%ACCESSING PLACES NOT SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

36%TO COMBINE CYCLING WITH TRAIN, BUS OR CAR

36%AVOIDING THE WORRY OF MAINTENANCE

44%AVOIDING THE WORRY OF STORING A BIKE

45%AVOIDING THE WORRY OF THEFT

56%AVOIDING CONGESTION OR PARKING PROBLEMS

42%BACK UP FOR WHEN MY USUAL MODE ISN’T UNAVAILABLE

57%TIME SAVINGS

55%COST

69%FRESH AIR

68%EXERCISE

Find out more about Bikeplus online at www.bikeplus.org.uk 0113 410 5261 | info@bikeplus.org.uk

tfi Follow us: @BikeplusBike

Registered office: Kings House, King Street, Leeds LS1 2HH

Supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust

With thanks to Conor Walsh of Institute of Transport Studies,

University of Leeds for carrying out the analysis of the survey data.

Bikeplus is a programme of the Carplus Trust. Carplus Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee (no: 4429814), and also a registered charity in England and Wales (no: 1093980) and Scotland (no: SC044682).

This survey was produced in conjunction with Bikeplus, UK bike share operators, and Local Authority representatives. It was distributed via email, and social media to all Hourbike, nextbike, and Smoove / ITS schemes in the UK between the 5th May and the 18th June 2017. In total, 649 responses were received, and results span 18 schemes across areas including, but not limited to Liverpool, Reading, and Glasgow. 56% of respondents used a scheme on a casual tariff, and 36% on an annual membership. The survey excludes London, but has four overlapping questions with the TfL survey for comparison.

The survey questions and full responses are available on the Bikeplus website.

References

TFL Members Survey 2016 http://content.tfl.gov.uk/santander-cycle-hire-members-q2-2016-17.pdf

TFL Casual Users Survey 2016 http://content.tfl.gov.uk/santander-cycle-hire-casuals-q2-2016-17.pdf

National Travel Survey 2016 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/633077/national-travel-survey-2016.pdf

Passenger Transport Rail Survey 2017. https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/research-publications/publications/national-rail-passenger-survey-nrps-spring-2017-main-report/

Survey methodology

When asked to rate the different aspects of the public bike share service, the majority of respondents (at least 75%) rated all aspects of the service as either ok, good or excellent. Station coverage continued to be one of the lowest rated areas, with 15% of respondents rating facilities as poor. Bike gears were also rated as poor.

Over 90% of respondents rated value for money as either ok, good, or excellent. Compared to the Passenger Focus National survey 2017, regional rail services scored an average of only 60%.

Barriers to scheme usage

The survey showed that a lack of bikes in particular areas discouraged many users from trying a bike share scheme.

Not being able to guarantee a bike to use when needed also resulted in many riders giving up on using a scheme prematurely. Lack of coverage at transport hubs including stations also made many journeys impractical. Finally, some users told us of a reluctance to use a share scheme after negative experiences with the hiring process, or with the equipment.

Of those who indicated that they hadn’t used a scheme yet, around one quarter mentioned that this was due to a lack of convenient stations, whilst another 25% said they preferred to use their own bike anyway.

94% of respondents owned a smart phone. 87% joined a scheme via a mobile or laptop device, rather than by phone, or terminal. However, 55% of respondents were prompted to join a scheme from an on-street docking presence. 61% of those surveyed were interested in using an e-bike in the future, and three quarters indicated a willingness to pay a higher tariff for this option (a 50% increase from last year).

Customer satisfaction Technology