170320SE-Public Bikes

Public Bikes, Problem or Solution？

20/03/2017

Aided with pizza and beer, salon participants engaged in heated discussion in the BWPI Shenzhen studio on March 20, 2017 under the theme " Public Bikes, Problem or Solution?".

Image: Mashable

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The emerging industry of pubic bike sharing is turning urban streets into a hive of activity, as well as a chaotic battlefield whereby companies attempt to seize market share. It is also proving a testing ground for urban citizens to behave appropriately. Participants were invited to share their insights about the public bike boom.

Image: Bloomberg

Image: China Channel

Why All The Rage?

Participants attributed the widespread popularity of public bike to its "leave it where you want" easy access, the push of mobile payment system, and negligible price. Funky design appearance and growing environmental concerns are also important factors behind the rage.

The bike-sharing model appears to work since companies are generating cash flow by charging deposits ranging from 99 to 299 RMB which can be used for further capital investment whilst bikers can be saved the last mile of commuting by foot. The emergence of public bikes has provided an alternative for general commuting, triggering a revolution whereby public transport can be seen to match the convenience of cars.

Image: BWPI

The Other Side of The Coin

Problems have arisen however. Besides competition of the bike-sharing enterprises, bike theft, irresponsible damage and improper use have become common misbehavior among public bike users. Participants argued that it might even possible to steal thousands of bikes owing to the ease of breaking their tracking system. Public bikes could however become a training ground for civic education.

Inherent restraints exist for the future development of public bikes. They are mainly restricted to regions with a relatively flat landscape, not making a strong presence in hilly and mountainous places like Chongqing. Users with heavy bags, disabilities or toddlers are also unable to benefit fully whilst with no shelter from the rain, sun or dust, biking becomes a difficult experience in harsh weather conditions.

Despite those, participants held a positive attitude toward public bikes for its potential to start a change in urban transport behaviour.