Cycling Industries Europe and EIT Urban Mobility have launched a Request for Proposals on studies into the return on investment of bike sharing.
The study aims to quantify the economic, social and environmental benefits of bike sharing systems to inform and recommend policymakers and urban planners.
Targeting research firms, academic institutions and consultancies, the Request for Proposals is open until 24 February 2025. The successful bidder will be expected to deliver a plan on how the research will be conducted with a comprehensive White Paper which highlights the quantifiable benefits of bike sharing to support a clear message to policymakers.
“We are hoping that the results of this study will give cities quantitative data on the multiple benefits of bike sharing and help give a full picture not only on climate and health benefits but also on the economic stimulus to local economies, new jobs and productivity increases that bike sharing can bring,” Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) Policy Director Lauha Fried told Zag Daily.
Karima Delli, the former Chair of the EU Parliament’s Transport Committee recently told Zag how sustainable transport goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. Similarly, Phil Ellis – CEO of the British shared micromobility operator Beryl – explained how shared micromobility is key to unlocking economic growth in the UK.
Phil Ellis told Zag Daily: “We know from our experience how shared transport systems can have many wider beneficial impacts, whether it’s cutting traffic congestion and carbon emissions, improving public health or boosting the connectivity of existing transport systems. The industry is already so important, but has a wealth of untapped potential. We just need the government to invest and deliver the correct legislation to help unlock it.”
The new study will cover several key areas such as how bike sharing reduces healthcare costs and increases productivity as well as the potential value of carbon credits and the economic stimuli of cycling infrastructure.
It will also examine the barriers preventing the widespread adoption of bike sharing schemes, with the insights hoped to shape future policy and ensure that bike sharing across Europe is accessible.
A White Paper will compile the findings with recommendations for public and private sectors.
“Bike-sharing systems are already delivering significant benefits across Europe, but there is still so much untapped potential,” Kristian Brink, CEO of global micromobility software platform Urban Sharing and Chair of CIE’s Bicycle Share Expert Group, said.
“This study will provide valuable insights into the financial returns these systems can generate, and how they can contribute to achieving net-zero targets and sustainable urban development. By collaborating with CIE members and a top-tier research institution, we are ensuring that the findings are grounded in rigorous analysis and can drive real change in the cycling industry and beyond.”
By the end of the year, EU member states are expected to give their first progress report on the European Declaration on Cycling which was signed last April.
“We hope bike sharing will feature as one of the key measures to grow cycling,” Lauha said. “Bike sharing has an important role to play in enabling access to bikes and cycling for everyone.
“By highlighting the broad benefits and ROI, we can inspire more cities to implement bike-sharing schemes that not only improve public health but also contribute to economic resilience and climate goals.”
