The Effects of Risk Factors of Transport Poverty on the Usage of Shared Bicycles and Mopeds: An Explorative Case Study in the City of Rotterdam

Abstract

In the context of answering sustainability and health challenges as well as addressing increasing pressures on urban infrastructure, shared bicycles and mopeds promise to have many advantages. Simultaneously, there is increasing attention for the concept of transport poverty. It is often presumed that experiencing transport poverty leads to a reduced (perceived) ability to reach key activity locations required for participation in society and a good quality of life. Little remains known about shared bicycles and mopeds in relation to transport poverty, especially in a societal context where cycling is already commonly practised. Therefore, this thesis researched how various risk factors of transport poverty relate to the usage of shared bicycles and mopeds in the municipality of Rotterdam. Based on existing data collected through a survey conducted in Rotterdam, two binary logistic regression models were developed to identify what and how risk factors of transport poverty are related to the usage of shared bicycles and mopeds. The research concluded that risk factors such as socio-economic risk background (age, gender, and education) and competencies (having a driver’s license) predicted a significant reduced likeness for having used a shared bicycle or moped. While perceived and objective access to transport options (e.g. perceived traffic flow by car) were not found to be statistically significant for predicting shared bicycle usage, this risk factor was significant for predicting usage of shared mopeds. Neighbourhood of residence was not significant for predicting usage of both shared bicycles and mopeds. Despite these mixed findings, the results of this thesis suggest that shared bicycles and mopeds do not inherently reduce inequity in opportunities to participate in society caused by transport poverty. This highlights the need for public authorities to make further efforts to prevent aggravating inequalities for those at risk of transport poverty.