Comments on: Analyzing Cyclist Behavior with Velo’v Bike Share

By: Melanie Meyers

Melanie Meyers — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:22:02 +0000

@trailsnet there is definitely a need for data that is focused specifically on bike/pedestrian trails and more. I agree that a bike share alone is enough to promote cycling and that good infrastructure is necessary as well. One of the cool things about collecting this data in Lyons is that it may help to improve planning for future infrastructure.

But, as Joe also mentions, the data is very limited, so it is hard to imagine that it can contribute substantially to the planning process or what the impact of its contribution might be due to its limitations.

By: Joe Betz

Joe Betz — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 11:46:34 +0000

The data for the program is inspiring though limited. The fact that so many people are using the system is an obvious positive, but the need for safer cycling infrastructure (for pedestrians and cyclists, both) is an issue city planners must address.

For this academic year I am living and working in the city of Nancy, France, where there is a smaller bicycle sharing program called VeloStan (“Stan” coming from, I believe, the name Stanislas, the main square and former duke of Lorraine and Poland-Lithuania Commonwealth king if you are into history!)

The issue of cyclist riding on sidewalks and also the tramlines, and then being occasionally severely fined, has created a “Velolution” here with one protest calling for better cycling infrastructure to protect riders from the small, quick and deadly diesel cars buzzing all over.

By: trailsnet

trailsnet — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:32:24 +0000

Thanks for this info., & I agree with you that, “it is encouraging to see that this type of research is being conducted.”
I would love to see more data on the impact of dedicated bike/pedestrian trails on the rate of bicycle users, pedestrian accidents, community fitness, air pollution, etc.
It’s one thing to have lots of bikes available through programs like Lyon’s Velo’v, but the availability of bikes alone doesn’t promote cycling. A safe, simple biking infrastructure is also needed.
Personally, I’d like to see cities start by developing an infrastructure of bike paths and then add the bike sharing program.