Bikeshare on a University Campus: Lessons from a Pilot Project at the University of Pretoria

Abstract

In 2018 the University of Pretoria implemented a bikeshare system as a pilot project on its campus to test its feasibility, and to help develop the capacity of City of Tshwane officials to implement future bicycle promotion schemes. Innovative aspects of the pilot included the inclusion of both electric and manual bicycles in a hybrid fleet, the development of a web-based booking and registration system, and the continuous GPS tracking of bicycles for security and data collection purposes. Pre- and post surveys and focus groups provided information on the demand for bikeshare, and how it was used. The paper reviews this evidence, concluding that there is a demonstrated role for bikeshare in certain niche markets in South African cities. Bikeshare’s biggest benefit is its potential to expand the mobility of current pedestrians, although it also demonstrated a modest ability to capture trips from car users and to support public transport as a first/last kilometer solution.