SMART BIKES: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Public-use bicycle programs have been successfully implemented in European cities since 1995. However, theft has been a recurring problem. To reduce this problem, intelligent transportation systems are being linked with public-use bicycle programs to allow the bicycles to be better tracked. These Bikes are located either in groups or individually at parking meters and bicycle racks and can be accessed with a smart card or unique numerical code. In the Smart Bike program, a user rides the bicycle to their destination and locks it at another station or parking meter for someone else to use. The smart card provides tracking of the bicycle and encourages its return after use since riders are charged if the bicycle is not returned. Users are also required to sign a liability waiver before accessing the bicycles. Smart Bike programs offer several advantages over other types of public transportation, since they provide on-demand service, reach underserved destinations, require less infrastructure and are inexpensive. As of Fall 2003, 10 Smart Bike programs existed in Europe and Singapore, and a few cities and universities in North America are experimenting with the concept.

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