Service Evaluation of Public Bicycle Scheme from a User Perspective: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China

Abstract

In late 2005, in an attempt to solve the last-mile problem, China started implementing public bikesharing programs. The effort quickly grew to a massive scale. An estimated 400,000 public bicycles now are in use in China, which is more than in all other countries that have implemented public bicycle schemes (PBSs). As with any emerging service that develops rapidly, an understanding of user behavior and satisfaction is lacking. Factors that influence the frequency of public bicycle use were studied in Hangzhou, China. Online and intercept surveys were conducted with PBS users. Willingness to use the PBS as well as satisfaction with and concerns about the PBS were investigated. Analysis of variance was conducted to identify the six factors that affect a user’s decision to rent: car ownership, bicycle ownership, travel purpose, having or lacking familiarity with the rental process, level of satisfaction with the PBS, and level of familiarity with the distribution of docking stations. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate details of key factors in the group of most frequent users—that is, survey respondents who did not own a car, rented a bicycle primarily for shopping or going out for business, and were familiar with the rental process and the distribution of docking stations. Based on study findings, advice is presented for implementing policy in developing countries. Suggestions include publicizing the PBS more, attracting more commuters to bicycling to reduce congestion, enhancing the accessibility of docking stations to accommodate more potential users, and improving bicycle quality to encourage more participation and make it easier for elderly citizens to participate.