Exploring the Production of Spatial Inequality in Dockless Bicycle Sharing in Shenzhen

Keywords: cycling, bicycle sharing, dockless bicycle, spatial inequality, mobility justice, China
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

There have been rising concerns over the unequal geographical distribution of bicycle sharing services in cities. Previous research on inequalities of urban bikeshare has tended to focus on quantitatively mapping out inequalities with big data from travel records. It has thus been unable to examine the causes, reproduction mechanisms, and consequences of observed spatial inequalities in detail. Using the case of Shenzhen, a Chinese megacity with strong governmental control on mobility and a historical legacy of urban segregation, this paper aims to achieve a nuanced understanding of the mechanism through which supply, demand, and regulation of dockless bikes interact to produce and reproduce spatial mobility inequalities. To achieve this, this study adopts a mixed-method approach consisting of an online survey, cyclist interviews and expert interviews. The resulting data analysis shows that both the use frequency and perceived accessibility of dockless bikes are higher in wealthier and more central neighbourhoods in Shenzhen. Moreover, strong governmental regulation in the form of a designated parking system, fleet quota distribution and point-based service evaluation have reproduced and enhanced spatial inequalities in dockless bike use and access. The findings suggest that policymakers and urban planners should be aware of spatial inequality as the side-effect of regulating dockless bikes and incorporate transportation justice concerns more explicitly into urban mobility planning.