Power to the pedal : Obstacles to and opportunities of implementing bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems in rural regions based on evidence from Alsace

Abstract

Introduction

Bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems have been implemented in many urban areas to promote public health, reduce air pollution, improve transportation options, and increase economic development (Kumar et al., 2017; Hernández, et al., 2016). However, while bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems have been successful in many urban areas, they have yet to be widely implemented in rural regions. This is likely due to the fact that rural regions often lack the necessary infrastructure and public funding for the implementation of these systems (Chen et al., 2020). Additionally, there is often a lack of public knowledge and interest in bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems in rural regions, which can make it more difficult to gain stakeholder support for the implementation of these systems (Hernández, et al., 2016).

Methodology

The research for this paper was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 15 French stakeholders from rural regions near Strasbourg. The interviews were conducted over a two-month period, and each interview lasted approximately one hour. The questions focused on the obstacles and opportunities of bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems in rural regions, with a focus on stakeholder involvement. The data collected was then analyzed and coded to identify key themes and patterns.

Discussion and Conclusion

In conclusion, this paper has examined the obstacles and opportunities of bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems in rural regions near Strasbourg, France, through semi-structured interviews with 15 French stakeholders. The research focused on stakeholder involvement in the implementation of these systems, taking into account the perspectives of the stakeholders. The results of the interviews suggest that the main obstacles to implementing bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems in rural areas near Strasbourg include the lack of public funding, the lack of infrastructure, and the lack of public knowledge and interest. On the other hand, the main opportunities for these systems include the potential for improved public health, the potential for increased tourism, and the potential for increased economic development. The findings of this study suggest that stakeholder involvement should be a key component of any plan to implement bike sharing and e-bike sharing systems in rural areas near Strasbourg, and that more public funding and better infrastructure should be provided to ensure the success of these systems.