Willemsen, Wouter (2024) Bike-sharing governance in rural areas. Master thesis.
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Abstract
In rural areas, the public transport systems face increasing pressure to maintain accessibility and meet the needs of local populations. While urban areas have embraced innovative transportation modes, such as bike-sharing, rural areas have generally lagged behind in adopting these solutions. This research explores the potential of bike-sharing as a viable transport option for rural regions, examining its success in urban environments and its applicability to rural settings. This study focuses on the governance of bike-sharing programs within rural municipalities in the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe. It aims to answer the research question: How do municipalities govern bike-sharing in rural areas in the Netherlands, and what lessons can be drawn for future projects? Through interviews with policymakers, this research provides insights into the challenges and strategies associated with implementing bike-sharing in rural contexts. The key findings of this research show how bike-sharing systems are governed and developed in rural areas by municipalities. The study reveals that while bike-sharing in these regions is still in the exploratory phase, municipalities recognize its potential to address accessibility issues. Key barriers to bike-sharing in rural areas include low population density, financial sustainability, existing bike ownership, and unfamiliarity with the concept. However, successful examples like the OVfiets and Steenwijkerland networks demonstrate that strategic placement and broad user appeal can enhance the viability of these systems. This can include strategic placement near touristic destinations to increase the group of potential users For effective implementation, key conditions include adequate financial support, local policymaker ambition, network capacity, and safe cycling infrastructure. Collaboration among municipalities, provinces, and private stakeholders is essential for overcoming challenges and integrating bike-sharing into broader rural mobility strategies.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Arts, E.J.M.M. and Rongen, T.O. |
| Date Deposited: | 08 Oct 2024 09:20 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Oct 2024 09:20 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4776 |
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