The effects of COVID-19 on female and male bike sharing users: Insights from Lisbon's GIRA

Who changed and who maintained their urban bike-sharing mobility after the COVID-19 outbreak? A within-subjects study

The COVID-19 pandemic has remarkably impacted urban mobility. All non-essential movements were restricted in Valencia (Spain) to contain the virus. Thus, the transport usage patterns of Valencia's bike-sharing system (BSS) users changed during this emergency situation. The primary objective of this study was to analyse the behaviour patterns of BSS users in Valencia before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, specifically those who maintained or changed their transport routines. A within-subjects comparison design was developed using a group of BSS users before and after the onset of the pandemic. Data mining techniques were used on a sample of 4355 regular users and 25 variables were calculated to classify users by self-organising maps analysis. The results show a significant reduction (40 %) in BSS movements after the outbreak during the entire post-outbreak year. There was some recovery during the rest of 2020; however, this has yet to reach the pre-pandemic levels, with variations observed based on the activities performed in different areas of the city. Of the users, 63 % changed their BSS use patterns after the onset of the pandemic (LEAVE group), while 37 % maintained their patterns (REMAIN group). The user profile of the REMAIN group was characterised by a general reduction of approximately 35 % of journeys during 2020, with a slight increase in morning movements compared to those made in the evening. These users also presented an equivalent number of cycling days to those of the previous year, reduced the number of connections and increased the network's density and the travelling speed. These results can be useful in estimating the percentage of people who do not vary their usual behaviour during emergencies. Finally, several policy implications are outlined based on the findings.

A study on the factors that influenced the choice of transport mode before, during, and after the first lockdown in Milan, Italy

COVID-19 measures implied many changes to travel behaviour and transport mode choice during the pandemic. This study seeks to understand what individual characteristics and travel attributes are related to transport mode choice before, during, and after the first lockdown in Italy. Based on an online survey (carried out in May 2020 in Milan), three multinomial regression models are presented. The results show that and in which measure parameters regarding distance and duration of daily travel are markedly related to transport mode before the lockdown. However, these factors are less significantly associated with the transport mode during and after the lockdown. Meanwhile, factors such as Preferences and Worry about using public transport have more significant relationship with the modal choice during the pandemic. Regarding individual characteristics, women are more likely to use active mode during and after the lockdown. Additionally, two personality traits of Agreeableness, and Openness to experiences are related to transport mode during and after the lockdown, respectively. Overall, this study reveals that in addition to socio-demographic factors, other variables such as worry about using public transport, preference, and personality are associated with the choice of transport mode during the lockdown.

Potential of Bike Sharing During Disruptive Public Health Crises: A Review of COVID-19 Impacts

With public transport (PT) continuing to be negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic and private car usage surging, alternative modes need to be considered. In this study, we review the available evidence (from academic and gray literature sources) on the performance of bike sharing systems (BSSs) during COVID-19 around the world, with the goal of assessing their potential contribution to improving the resilience of transport systems during pandemics and similar disruptive events. We found BSS usage followed a decrease-rebound pattern, with BSSs overall sustaining lower ridership declines and faster recoveries compared with PT. During lockdowns especially, the average duration of BSS trips increased, following a rise in casual users and leisure trips, while commuting trips decreased. Evidence has also been found for a possible modal shift from some PT users to BSSs, with a decline in the share of multimodal trips conducted between PT and BSSs. Bike sharing is perceived as safer than other shared modes (e.g., PT, taxis, and ride-hailing/sharing) but as having a higher infection risk than personal modes (e.g., private car, walking, and personal bike). Moreover, the BSS was an important transport alternative for essential workers, with several operators providing waivers especially to healthcare staff, leading to ridership increases near healthcare facilities and in deprived neighborhoods. Findings from this research support policies for promoting bike sharing, namely through fee reductions, system expansions, and symbiotic integration with PT, as BSSs can increase the sustainability and resilience of transport systems during disruptive public health events like COVID-19.