Hotspots Identification and Classification of Dockless Bicycle Sharing Service under Electric Fence Circumstances

Abstract

Dockless bicycle sharing is one of the low-carbon transportation modes towards sustainable mobilities. Electric fences, as an effective solution for parking management, may have a high potential in guiding the usage of dockless bicycles at a low operation cost. However, new issues arise with the implementation of electric fences. The location of electric fences in hotspots fails to match the parking demand, leading the parking congestion in urban central areas. In this paper, a novel methodology of bicycle hotspots identification and classification is proposed to support parking management. An evaluation framework for bicycle hotspots is also proposed covering three aspects: demand and supply, unbalance, and land use. The methodology is applied to the case of Xiamen Island by using the trip data covering 53,629 bicycles during morning peak hours. Applying the methodology proposed, 47 pick-up hotspots and 53 return hotspots are identified, respectively. The total parking overload of return hotspots during the morning peak is 12,587 bicycles in Xiamen Island. The 53 return hotspots are classified into three clusters, including (1) hotspots where bicycle sharing is in overload status, (2) hotspots where bicycle sharing service quality needs to be improved, and (3) hotspots where bicycle sharing is in stable status. Based on the demand and land use characteristics, parking management schemes and policy implications are proposed. The result of this paper provides guidance for the layout of dockless bicycle sharing electric fences in different areas.