The article illustrates that there are many more lower-income bike riders than there are middle or high income; however, bike-share membership seems to be mostly among middle to higher incomes. Data indicates that higher income residents are overrepresented among bike-share members while lower-income households are underrepresented. Bike-share seems to have a wealthier clientele likely because wealthier individuals live in the area to financially sustain it. Also, riding is generally easier because there’s plenty of bike infrastructure in place.
Bike-share is just another example of a disparity in services between wealthy and the poor. It’s progressive, looks cool, and it can be a convenient service for those commuting into the downtown, but it is not a service that is accessible to all people. It will be a challenge for urban planners to understand the needs of the underserved. The poor make up a large portion of bicycle riders, but are largely not involved in the bike advocacy community. More should be done to engage the people who do not have the option to take public transit or drive.
link: http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/10/the-poor-bike-the-rich-bike-share/413119/
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