Travel patterns of free-floating e-bike-sharing users before and during COVID-19 pandemic

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.

Systematic literature review on impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding measures on mobility

The unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak has significantly influenced our daily life, and COVID-19's spread is inevitably associated with human mobility. Given the pandemic's severity and extent of spread, a timely and comprehensive synthesis of the current state of research is needed to understand the pandemic's impact on human mobility and corresponding government measures. This study examined the relevant literature published to the present (March 2023), identified research trends, and conducted a systematic review of evidence regarding transport's response to COVID-19. We identified key research agendas and synthesized the results, examining: (1) mobility changes by transport modes analyzed regardless of government policy implementation, using empirical data and survey data; (2) the effect of diverse government interventions to reduce mobility and limit COVID-19 spread, and controversial issues on travel restriction policy effects; and (3) future research issues. The findings showed a strong relationship between the pandemic and mobility, with significant impacts on decreased overall mobility, a remarkable drop in transit ridership, changes in travel behavior, and improved traffic safety. Government implemented various non-pharmaceutical countermeasures, such as city lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing. Many studies showed such interventions were effective. However, some researchers reported inconsistent outcomes. This review provides urban and transport planners with valuable insights to facilitate better preparation for future health emergencies that affect transportation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11116-023-10392-2.