Maximizing bicycle sharing: an empirical analysis of capital bikeshare usage

Abstract

As one of three large North American systems, Capital Bikeshare represents a wealth of empirical data not only for the Washington Metropolitan area as it looks to expand its bicycle sharing system, but for other cities planning their own systems. In the past, North American cities relied on international practices to inform feasibility analyses and planning processes for nascent bicycle share systems. With actual usage, membership, and revenue figures in hand, researchers are just beginning to understand the operational dynamics of the technology in the context of American culture and urban spatial structure. To date, the public has committed more than $13 million in funding to the regional Capital Bikeshare system (mostly by way of federal grants). This study seeks to synthesize Capital Bikeshare data in order to help planners assess and improve it as a viable transportation investment. In doing so, this report helps to inform a larger policy dialogue about bicycle sharing locally and nationally. The methodology presented here adds to the small but growing body of bicycle share feasibility work; helping fill the empirical void in the North American literature and expand the suite of analytic approaches available to practitioners and academics.

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