📚 Mock Exercise 16

In 2008, the Urban Mobility Planning Office (UMPO), headquartered at 105 Transit Square, Lyon, France, initiated a bicycle-sharing scheme to reduce congestion and vehicle emissions. At the time, private cars accounted for 63% of daily trips within the city. Early feasibility studies between 2009 and 2011 analysed station placement, user demand, and operational costs. Pilot schemes indicated that shared bicycles could replace up to 12% of short car journeys under five kilometres, suggesting strong potential for sustainable urban transport.

The public launch of the scheme occurred in April 2012, with 4,200 bicycles distributed across 340 docking stations. Usage data showed that within the first year, the system recorded over 6.8 million trips. Installation and maintenance costs totalled 52 million, funded through municipal transport budgets approved in December 2011. By 2014, average daily ridership reached 19,000 users, and peak-hour congestion on key routes declined by 8%.

Despite initial popularity, operational challenges arose. A 2013 audit reported that 31% of bicycles required repairs within six months due to vandalism and weather exposure. Uneven distribution between residential and commercial areas also caused shortages during commuting hours. Public feedback highlighted concerns about safety, particularly the lack of dedicated cycling lanes. In response, UMPO invested 18 million in infrastructure upgrades and expanded maintenance teams in 2014.

Policy support strengthened after 2015, when the regional government allocated 95 million to expand cycling infrastructure. By 2018, the bicycle-sharing network had grown to 6,100 bicycles and 480 stations. Transport surveys showed that cyclings share of daily trips increased from 7% in 2010 to 15% in 2019. These changes reflected a broader shift toward active transport in the city.

Economic and health impacts were also documented. A 2020 study conducted by the University of Grenoble estimated annual healthcare savings of 28 million due to increased physical activity. Local businesses near docking stations reported a 4.9% rise in foot traffic between 2016 and 2020. Air quality monitoring indicated a 6% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels in central districts over the same period.

Future plans focus on integrating bicycle sharing with digital mobility platforms. UMPO intends to introduce app-based dynamic pricing and real-time availability tracking by 2029. As of January 2024, 54% of shared bicycles were electric-assisted models. Expansion projects scheduled for 2026 include new stations in suburban municipalities, aiming to further reduce car dependency and emissions.