Analysis of the ages, routes and minutes of use in the use of a shared bicycle system: The case of vaibike in Vilagarcía de Arousa (Spain)

Abstract

The growing pollution in the cities and the increase in obesity and overweight recommend the use of active means of transport. One of these means, which has become extremely popular in recent years is the bicycle sharing system. Currently, hardly any study provides information about the users characteristics and the usage habits of the service in Spain. Therefore, in this study it is intended to categorize the ages of the participants in this system, as well as the frequency of use, the characteristics of the routes and means of use of bicycles. The average age of the users was 46 years, during the first stage of 2009 to 2012 (men 49; women 38.7), being the significant differences t=83.06; p<0.001. The highest frequency of use is initiated and finished in the city centre (15,947 uses; 18.9%). Men between 50 and 69 years old and women between 30 and 49 years old are those who use the bicycles more. Coastal routes are the most preferred by women. The average minutes of use in the public bicycle trips was 36,1 (men 38,1; women 31,4), with statistically significant differences t84181=26,30; p<0,001).