Spatiotemporal assessment of carbon emission reduction by shared bikes in Shenzhen, China

Abstract

Bike-sharing has developed rapidly in recent years, and its environmental benefits have attracted increasing attention. However, current studies still lack individual-scale emission reduction calculation models. Based on spatiotemporal pattern analysis, an individual-level carbon emission reduction calculation model was established by measuring cycling distance accurately and considering the substitution between transportation modes as well as the trend of transportation electrification. The model results show that for each kilometer of cycling, the shared bikes can reduce carbon emissions by 96 g in the central urban area of Shenzhen city, and the total carbon emission reduction for one day of operation is 114.42 tonnes. Carbon emission reduction within 500 m of the subway station reached 57.23 % of the total emission reduction in one day which indicates that it is necessary to consider the layout of public transport comprehensively and give full play to the connecting and complementary role of shared bikes. At the same time, mode substitution and electric vehicles (EVs) will have an impact on the emission reduction effect of shared bikes. This research result can provide references for the government to assess the impact of sustainable transport and help encourage a low-carbon lifestyle.