How do walking environments along the connecting path affect the disparity in public bicycle usage among multiple docking stations around tube stations?

Abstract

The integration of public bicycles with tube systems has the potential to enhance urban transportation sustainability and efficiency. However, the utilization of public bicycles can significantly differ among various docking stations, even when they fall within the coverage area of the same tube station. Understanding the factors that attract or discourage individuals from using public bicycles in different locations is essential for informed decision-making regarding infrastructure and policy enhancements. This study examines the disparity in public bicycle usage, with a specific focus on the micro-level walking environments along connecting paths between docking stations and tube stations. Transaction data collected from London public bicycle and tube systems are utilized, alongside micro-level walking environment and macro-level built environment and socio-economic factors. A generalized additive mixed model is employed to capture nonlinear effects and spatial autocorrelations in docking station usage.The results reveal significant effects of walking environments along connecting paths on docking station usage. Specifically, positive associations are observed between bicycle station usage and footpaths quality, presence of pedestrian crossing, and points of interests (e.g., green space) along the connecting path, as well as tube ridership, cycle facilities, and land-use mixture. Conversely, negative relationships are observed with walking distance, physical barriers, road crossed, and bus stops. Moreover, proximity to transit, distance to the city center, and deprivation level demonstrate threshold effects on bicycle station usage. This study provides several practical implications for improving the multi-mode transportation system and the planning of docking stations around tube station, aiming to create cycling-friendly and transit-oriented environments.