
Bike-sharing, why not? A framework of utility perceptions of BSSs' non-users based on qualitative data
Aufsatz

Zusammenfassung
Background
Bike-sharing-systems (BSS) are crucial for reducing carbon emissions in individual transportation
and optimizing spatial and mobility efficiency. However, BSSs are not fully utilized, especially as primary means of transportation for daily commutes. Feedback from users has been the main source for evaluating BSSs and determining its utility so far. Research on non-users is lacking, despite their significant portion of the population. Our research addresses this gap by investigating perceptions and usage-barriers of non-users.
Methods
Our research uses focus group discussions (FGD) with 42 commuting non-users of BSSs conducted in Q4
2022 and Q4 2023. Segmented FGDs are composed based on sociodemographic criteria such as gender (50 %/ 50 %) and family status (children in household yes/no). We identify and categorize non-user´s perception and views on BSSs by drawing on expectancy-value theory and means-end-chain theory. We apply deductive and inductive coding, and our results are validated by Krippendorff’s alpha.
Results
A framework of system attributes and their effects is developed. We identify twelve functional main
themes (augmentations of mobility options, app registration and use, bikes and BSS-stations, physical exertion, expenditure of time, connectivity and intermodality) contributing to five specific consequences (social desirability, simplicity of system use, successful path accomplishment, straightforward and non-binding, flexibility and spontaneity, social desirability). Aside from functional drawbacks (e.g. physical exertion, limited connectivity), the primary obstacle for non-users is a dominant convenience of existing mobility options and a lack of information on system use and on beneficial use cases.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest a stronger focus on non-user perspectives to identify critical issues to increase
attractiveness of BSSs. Practitioners may lower adoption barriers (usage information, app registration, physical exertion, connectivity etc.) and emphasize communication of affective use cases and system benefits.
Schlagworte
Bike-sharing-systems
BSS
Sharing
Non-user
Means-end chain theory
Qualitative research
BSS
Sharing
Non-user
Means-end chain theory
Qualitative research
DDC-Klassifikation
300 Sozialwissenschaften
388 Verkehr
388 Verkehr
Erschienen in
Transport Policy. Elsevier (2025). 168, 220–243. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.03.024
Projektförderung
German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, 16DKV30150
German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, 16DKV42038
German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, 16DKV42038
Publikationsförderung
Gefördert im Rahmen des Projekts DEAL
Einrichtung
Fachbereich Architektur und Bauingenieurwesen
Fachgruppe Mobilitätsmanagement
Fachgruppe Mobilitätsmanagement
Link zur Veröffentlichung
Sammlungen
- Publikationen [150]
BibTeX
@article{Grüner2025,
author={Grüner, Sebastian Ludwig and Kowald, Matthias},
title={Bike-sharing, why not? A framework of utility perceptions of BSSs' non-users based on qualitative data},
journal={Transport Policy},
number={168},
pages={220–243},
year={2025},
publisher={Elsevier},
school={Hochschule RheinMain, Wiesbaden},
url={https://hlbrm.pur.hebis.de/xmlui/handle/123456789/294},
doi={10.25716/pur-185}
}