New report reveals positive impacts of bike-share schemes across UK

Credit: Beryl

National shared transport charity, Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), has released its seventh annual bike-share report, highlighting the positive impacts of bike-share schemes in the UK throughout 2022. 

CoMoUK’s annual bike-share report is compiled in collaboration with accredited UK bike-share operators, local authority representative, and operators to ensure a comprehensive and accurate representation of the sector. The data has been collected through a questionnaire distributed via email and social media to members of UK bike-share schemes.

According to the report, one-third of bike-share users in the UK either started cycling for the first time or resumed cycling after a hiatus of five years or more. In addition, two-thirds of bike-share users reported cycling more frequently since joining a bike-share scheme.

In 2022, the number of locations served by bike-share schemes in the UK increased to 43, including London, compared to 39 the previous year. The availability of e-bikes has also seen significant growth, with the number rising from approximately 5,000 in September 2021 to nearly 12,000 in 2022. E-bikes are now part of 12 e-bike-only schemes and 13 mixed schemes across the country.

Furthermore, the report reveals that bike-share schemes in the UK recorded nearly 20 million hires per year between September 2021 and September 2022, averaging around 54,285 rides per day.

Dott awarded three-year contract for 4,500 shared e-scooters in Rome

The report highlights a notable gender difference among bike-share users, with 62% identifying as male, 33% as female, 3% as non-binary and 2% preferring not to answer or self-describing. This aligns with the 2021 National Travel Survey for England, which indicated that men made significantly more trips by pedal bike compared to women.

Moreover, bike-share schemes have been found to attract users from diverse age groups, with the largest cohort being aged between 25 and 34. Users under 35 account for 53% of bike-share users, while age groups 35-44 and 45-54 make up 22% and 14% respectively. Users aged 55 and over constitute 10% of all bike-share users.

The report also indicates that bike-share schemes are attracting a relatively diverse group of users, with 73% identifying as White, 11% as Asian/Asian British, 4% as Black, 4% as mixed/multiple ethnicity and 3% as other ethnic groups. This is compared to figures from the 2021 Census for England and Wales.

Respondents from all income groups participated in the survey, with 24% belonging to low-income groups with a gross annual income of £20,000 or less, highlighting that this mode of transport, along with other micro-mobility options, can improve mobility access for socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

Overall, the report emphasises the role of bike-share schemes as catalysts for positive change in transportation and encourages their continued expansion and support.