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The role of a non-profit organisation-run public bicycle-sharing programme: the case of Kitakyushu City, Japan

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  • Nakamura, Hiroki
  • Abe, Naoya

Abstract

Public bicycle-sharing programmes (PBSPs) are experiencing enormous growth as an increasing number of cities worldwide are adopting the scheme. PBSPs are managed and operated by the private sector; by local community groups, including non-profit organisations (NPOs); and by local governments. In many Japanese cities where private bicycle sharing is high, the scale of PBSPs is relatively small, leading to challenges such as difficulty in securing funding and appointing operators. This paper proposes that NPOs may have the capacity to operate and effectively manage PBSPs in conjunction with other non-profit activities to promote community development. Using a case study approach and implementing a user perception survey, this study examines the experience of a small-scale, NPO-run PBSP in Kitakyushu City, Japan. Findings show that NPO management and operation added value to the PBSP. In addition, some users were interested in the PBSP beyond its role as a means of transport. These users tend to engage in local activities more frequently than other users. Finally, almost all of the users were satisfied with the bicycle-sharing service, regardless of their reasons for using the programme. The insights gained from these results may help improve small-scale PBSP implementation, policy, and planning, both in Japan and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Nakamura, Hiroki & Abe, Naoya, 2014. "The role of a non-profit organisation-run public bicycle-sharing programme: the case of Kitakyushu City, Japan," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 338-345.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:41:y:2014:i:c:p:338-345
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2013.11.009
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    Cited by:

    1. Nakamura, Hiroki & Abe, Naoya, 2016. "Tourist decisions in renting various personal travel modes: A case study in Kitakyushu City, Japan," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 85-93.
    2. Audikana, Ander & Ravalet, Emmanuel & Baranger, Virginie & Kaufmann, Vincent, 2017. "Implementing bikesharing systems in small cities: Evidence from the Swiss experience," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 18-28.
    3. Zhao, De & Ong, Ghim Ping & Wang, Wei & Hu, Xiao Jian, 2019. "Effect of built environment on shared bicycle reallocation: A case study on Nanjing, China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 73-88.
    4. Nakamura, Hiroki & Uchida, Akira & Managi, Shunsuke, 2019. "Relationship between community-sharing of new personal transportation and local residents’ daily life consciousness," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 104-110.

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