Unpacking the docked bike-sharing experience. A bike-along study on the infrastructural constraints and determinants of everyday bike-sharing use

Abstract

Cycling for transportation is increasingly recognised as a core strategy to combat the climate emergency, particularly in urban environments. In this frame, bike-sharing systems offer a valuable opportunity to attract new users to cycling and promote sustainable mobility. However, the rapid growth in the use of these schemes has exposed critical gaps, such as insufficient cycling infrastructure, system saturation, or poor integration with other transport modes, which continue to hinder their full potential. By using a mobile methodology, we interviewed 17 docked bike-sharing users in Barcelona to explore how infrastructure and spatial dimensions shape riders' experiences. Our findings reveal that traffic safety - modulated by cycling infrastructure and network connectivity- strongly influences how users of shared bicycles perceive urban spaces. Furthermore, participants reported that features specific to shared bicycles, such as their design and maintenance, notably shaped their riding experiences. Beyond the act of cycling itself, our analysis highlights the importance of often-overlooked stages, such as the bike pick-up and return processes, in shaping users' overall experiences. These moments present logistical and accessibility challenges that could limit the consolidation and expansion of bike-sharing schemes. Policymakers and urban designers are likely to find these insights valuable, as they point to specific improvements that can enhance navigation and positively impact usability and overall user satisfaction.