Bike sharing: Difference between revisions
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Bike sharing has its inception in the 1960s, but was hampered in its growth by problems related to not being able to gain real-time information about the bicycle network, track the bikes and properly secure them. In the present, these difficulties have been overcome by technology. Bicycle sharing networks can now be monitored in real-time, individual bicycles can be electronically tracked and can even be remotely secured. |
Bike sharing has its inception in the 1960s, but was hampered in its growth by problems related to not being able to gain real-time information about the bicycle network, track the bikes and properly secure them. In the present, these difficulties have been overcome by technology. Bicycle sharing networks can now be monitored in real-time, individual bicycles can be electronically tracked and can even be remotely secured. |
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The 2000s have seen a boom in bike sharing due to its relatively low costs compared to other transportation infrastructure, a push towards "green" cities, and through the support of regional and municipal governments and academic institutions. In 2004, only 11 cities had embraced bike sharing. That number has since mushroomed with more than 1,000 public bicycle rental schemes of various kinds running in 50 countries across five continents at this writing (2017). In |
The 2000s have seen a boom in bike sharing due to its relatively low costs compared to other transportation infrastructure, a push towards "green" cities, and through the support of regional and municipal governments and academic institutions. In 2004, only 11 cities had embraced bike sharing. That number has since mushroomed with more than 1,000 public bicycle rental schemes of various kinds running in 50 countries across five continents at this writing (2017). In the United States, of its large urban areas, only Detroit and St. Louis lack bike sharing services. |
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In addition to public and mixed public and private bike sharing programs, there has been an uptick in private businesses, including several start-ups, entering the arena. Bike sharing is especially widespread in Asia and in China in particular, where a single bike sharing system can encompass as many as 200,000 bicycles. |
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Another major differentiator among bike sharing providers is whether the service offered employs designated bicycle kiosks (also known as docks) or is a dockless bike sharing network. Less significant differentiators are the models of bike used, and the payment methods a service allows. |
Another major differentiator among bike sharing providers is whether the service offered employs designated bicycle kiosks (also known as docks) or is a dockless bike sharing network. Less significant differentiators are the models of bike used, and the payment methods a service allows. |
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*Struggles over ceding space for kiosk-based bike sharing parking |
*Struggles over ceding space for kiosk-based bike sharing parking |
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== References == |
== References == |
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[http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/09/beijing-bike-sharing/ Bike Sharing Rivalry Crowds Beijing's Sidewalks - The Denver Post - 9 April 2017] |
[http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/09/beijing-bike-sharing/ Bike Sharing Rivalry Crowds Beijing's Sidewalks - The Denver Post - 9 April 2017] |
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[https://ggwash.org/view/62137/all-119-us-bikeshare-systems-ranked-by-size All 119 Bike Sharing Systems, Ranked by Size - Greater Greater Washington 26 January 2017] |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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