Readiness for Shared Micromobility
Staff from GJD Planning worked as part of HUB Cycling’s research team and with academic partners at Simon Fraser University to explore context sensitive means to expand the role of shared micromobility in Metro Vancouver.
Client: HUB
Shared micromobility describes a variety of publicly available, shared, human and electric powered vehicles including dockless and station-based bike share, electric bicycles and electric powered kick scooters.
Shared micromobility is booming in cities around the world. The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), for instance reported that despite a 70% decrease in travel across all modes in 2020 due to Covid-19, there were 112 million trips using shared micromobility vehicles – up from 65 million trips in 2019!
Shared micromobility provide transportation alternatives that offer low emissions, low noise levels and flexible integration with transit; however, cities with shared micromobilitty systems have struggled with its regulation and integration with existing transportation systems and transit services.
This project researched shared micromobility in Metro Vancouver and in select cities throughout North America to understand the potential for adoption and integration with regional transit and to inform policy, infrastructure needs and best practices for regulation.
The research involved:
· Case studies and key informant interviews with municipal agencies at the forefront of shared micromobility in North America;
· Focus groups with stakeholders from throughout Metro Vancouver, to better understand public awareness and opinions concerning shared micromobility; and
· Population based surveys of residents to assess awareness, knowledge and experience with micromobility and perceptions around its integration with existing transit and transportation systems and infrastructure.
Gavin was HUB’s lead researcher and he and Tim Davidson supported case study research, key informant interviews and report writing and editing. This report offers:
· Insight into public perceptions of shared micromobility in Metro Vancouver,
· Guidance to inform policy, infrastructure needs and best practices for regulation, and
· Recommendations to achieve more seamless integration with regional transit services.
Research reports and press releases are available HUB Cycling’s website and through SFU’s Cities, Health and Active Transportation Research Lab (CHATR).
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