This paper examines the causal impact of a tech-enhanced bike share program on public transit ridership, using evidence from a mid-sized metropolitan area in the Midwest of the United States.
The findings indicate that equity stations increased accessibility for the serviced population at every threshold examined, but the increase was relatively modest especially for the population in the bottom 20% of median total household income.
Pandemic-era changes to the built environment have dramatically shifted the urban bike landscape. But if equity had been centered, would the numbers be higher?
In cooperation with city officials and community-based organizations, Fort Smith academics are creating a bike share system that serves low-income residents and establishes best practices for equity.