IMPACT OF BICYCLE PARKING INFRASTRUCTURE ON QUALITY OF PARKING BEHAVIOUR OF BICYCLE-SHARING USERS

Abstract

In view of the nascent bicycle-sharing industry in Singapore, it is important for bicycle-sharing users to practice positive parking etiquette to ensure a safe commuting environment for the members of the public. However, indiscriminate parking of the bicycles has been observed since the launch of the bicycle-sharing systems. Few studies on bicycle-sharing systems have investigated the importance of bicycle parking infrastructure in influencing parking behaviour. As such, this dissertation aims to discuss, analyse and evaluate the impact of bicycle parking typology on the quality of parking behaviour displayed by bicycle-sharing users.

An in-depth interview was conducted with SG Bike Chief of Operations and a face-to-face survey questionnaire was carried out with 300 bicycle-sharing users commuting in three estates, namely Bukit Panjang, Punggol and Yishun. It was found that even though bicycle parking typology does not have a significant association with indiscriminate parking behaviour, there exists a need for a more comprehensive parking infrastructure. An analysis of geo-fencing technology and educational campaigns was carried out. Notably, the attitudes of bicycle-sharing users toward geo-fencing technology and educational campaigns were found to have an association with indiscriminate parking behaviour for Bukit Panjang and Punggol, but not for Yishun. It was further revealed that bicycle-sharing users in Yishun perceived fines to be more effective in mitigating the issue of indiscriminate parking. Therefore, it is meaningful to explore whether a combination of enforcement, education and improvement to the parking infrastructure can mitigate the indiscriminate bicycle parking situation in Singapore.