Media Contact: Rosanne Lubeck | Rosanne@NABSA.net

Bikeshare and shared micromobility is a fast-growing sector in transportation. The expansion of these transportation options allow consumers to make more sustainable choices and benefit the transportation system as a whole. 84 million trips were taken on bikeshare and shared micromobility devices in 2018 alone.

The North American Bikeshare Association (NABSA) connects the biggest minds in bikeshare and shared micromobility to support, promote and enhance shared alternatives to traditional transportation across North America. NABSA is the industry’s membership organization with representation from system owners, operators, host cities, equipment manufacturers and technology providers.  

NABSA represents 90 organizations working in bikeshare and shared micromobility across all sectors: about half of NABSA’s members are private for-profit entities, 30% are nonprofits and the remainder government. With the rapid expansion of these options in the past decade, bikeshare and shared micromobility systems are currently operating in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

In light of recent conversations about a potential infrastructure package and FAST Act reauthorization, we encourage legislation that supports the emerging sector in bikeshare and shared micromobility industry. We recommend:

1. Increase available funds for direct investment in bikeshare and shared micromobility systems, allowing funds to be used to study and support the growth of this emerging industry. These systems allow for decreased congestion on roadways, improved air quality, and benefits to public health through active transportation, and have historically been successful programs funded through CMAQ grants. Allowing for the explicit use of these funds for the planning and execution of bikeshare and shared micromobility programs will go a long way in weaving bikeshare and shared micromobility into the fabric of public transportation.
2. Fund safe and reliable infrastructure for bikeshare and shared micromobility systems by expanding the Transportation Alternatives Program. TAP supports some of the most cost-effective programming for creating a safer and more sustainable transportation network for all roadway users. We request that the funding be increased to support a 21st-century transportation system that fosters innovation and provides consumers with the most possible choices for transportation.
3. Prioritize the use of HSIP funds to support the safety of vulnerable roadway users. People riding on bikes, ebikes, and scooters are especially vulnerable in the roadway. States should be required to spend a percentage of awarded HSIP funds on safety improvements for vulnerable users, providing protected infrastructure for people walking, biking, and using shared micromobility devices.

Why Support Bikeshare and Shared Micromobility?

Bikeshare has proven to be an affordable, efficient, healthy, and sustainable form of public transportation used mostly for short, point-to-point, trips. Municipalities across the country, both big and small, adopt bikeshare to: provide low-cost transportation; complete transit networks; resolve the ‘first and last mile’ problem; provide an accessible means for physical activity; reduce traffic congestion; improve air quality; and stimulate economic development.

Similarly, cities across the country have been piloting the use of shared micromobility devices such as scooters to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and increase transportation and physical activity options.

• Bikeshare and shared micromobility is growing organically. In Chicago, the Divvy system surpassed over 15 million rides just after its five-year anniversary. Its fifth year of service saw a 169% increase over its first year. In 2018, 38.5 million trips were made on shared e-scooters.
• Bikeshare and shared micromobility reduces commuter congestion. In the City of Philadelphia, 36% of rides on the Indego system occur during rush hour.
• Bikeshare and shared micromobility supports economic development. A 2015 study by Virginia Tech on Capital Bikeshare found that 16% of riders interviewed reported new spending due to their use of public bikeshare. The University of Minnesota found that Nice Ride riders spent an estimated extra $150,000 at restaurants and other businesses located near Nice Ride stations.
• Bikeshare and shared micromobility is an affordable transportation option. Capital Bikeshare members in Washington, DC reported saving at least $800 yearly on personal travel costs with the advent of bikeshare.

It is projected that the shared micromobility industry will be valued up to $300 billion in the United States by 2030. Now is the time to support safe and sustainable growth.