ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Assessing the Evolution of Bike-Sharing Systems in a Developing Country: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Konya

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 03 | MOBILITY

Speaker

Mr Seçkin Çiriş (Necmettin Erbakan University - City and Regional Planning Department)

Description

Sustainable urban mobility is essential for modern cities, and cycling, as a sustainable urban transport mode, plays a crucial role. Bike-sharing systems are one of the most prominent tools to support cycling policies. This proceeding aims to explore the development and evolution of bike-sharing systems in a developing country context, using Konya as a case study.
In 2014, field research was conducted in Konya to analyze its bike-sharing system during its initial years. This research involved in-depth interviews with policymakers and service provider representatives. Using defined indicators, the Konya bike-sharing system was critically analyzed with the system's performance and shortcomings.
To understand how the system has evolved, whether its deficiencies have been addressed, and the impact of newly emerging e-scooter-sharing systems on bike-sharing usage, a follow-up field research will be conducted in June 2024. This recurrent research over a 10-year period aims to provide insights into several key questions: Have bike-sharing systems proven to be a sustainable transportation alternative in a developing country context like Türkiye? What measures can be taken to enhance their effectiveness? What externalities affect the positive or negative evolution of the bike-sharing system? Case study research in Konya and in-depth interviews with policymakers and service providers are the research methods. Main indicators, which were used in the research in 2024, to be also used in the research in 2024 are the planning background of the system, system design, operational issues, supportive complementary policies, and the future of the system.
By examining the bike-sharing system in Konya over a decade, this study seeks to offer valuable insights into the sustainability and effectiveness of such systems in developing countries. The findings will contribute to the broader understanding of urban mobility solutions and help identify strategies to improve the functionality and adoption of bike-sharing systems in similar contexts.