Are Campus Bicycle Sharing Schemes Useful? An Analysis with Kyoto University Data

Abstract

To encourage good accessibility between university facilities as well as to reduce the amount of parked bicycles, some universities have introduced bicycle sharing schemes. One example is Kyoto University where a scheme has been introduced in 2014 with mixed success. In this paper, we discuss characteristics of the users in order to derive some general conclusions on how shared bicycle schemes can be more successful. First, we analyze individual usage records. Through cluster analysis we could divide users into 6 groups based on time and frequency of usage as well as how often bicycle usage exceeds the allowed time. We observe distinctive differences in trip purposes and travel patterns between these groups. Second, we conducted a questionnaire analysis to obtain a deeper understanding regarding the difference between users and non-users. We find that ``innovativeness{''} to some degree explains usage. Further, the results highlight the importance of convenience and that participants do not care sufficiently about some of the usage rules. The findings also highlight a conflict in that the scheme indirectly supports those coming by motorized transport to campus.