Sharing bicycles, a benefit of 305 million

“Much more than just another transportation option.” Active mobility helps prevent 1,000 chronic diseases. Lisbon in the analysis.

A bike sharing in more than 150 European cities, including Lisbon, generates 305 million euros in annual benefitscontributing to the environment, health and economy, indicates a study released today.

“The analysis finds that bike sharing generates 305 million euros in annual benefits, thus confirming its role as a key element in sustainable urban mobilityl”, states the study commissioned by EIT Urban Mobility and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE).

Bike sharing is available in more than 150 European cities (EU-27, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway), including Paris, with 42,200 bicycles, and Brussels, with more than 11,000, reads a statement. Together, these networks make up a fleet of around 438,000 shared bicycles.

“This study demonstrates that Bike sharing is much more than just another transportation option. It offers measurable returns for citizens, cities and the environment”, says, quoted in the note, Bernadette Bergsma, director of Communications and European Affairs at EIT Urban Mobility.

According to the study, every year, bike sharing saves 46,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and 200 tons of atmospheric pollutants harmful.

According to the report’s authors, replacing car travel with active mobility helps prevent 1,000 chronic diseasesresulting in savings of 40 million euros in healthcare.

On the other hand, the decrease in traffic jams results in 760,000 hours of productivity – valued at 30 million euros – while the equivalent of six thousand full-time jobs are maintained across Europe.

“For users, bike sharing offers an economical mode of transport, reducing mobility expenses by up to 90% compared to cars,” the statement said.

According to the authors of the report, for every euro currently spent, there is a return annual 10%, which generates 1.10 euros of positive externalities.

“By 2030, the benefits could increase by up to one billion euros annually if investment and expansion continue”, assures the study, adding that this would avoid the emission of 224,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, more than 4,200 chronic diseases avoided, and approximately 13,000 jobs maintained.

EIT Urban Mobility belongs to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, and aims to accelerate solutions and the transition to a user-centered, integrated and truly multimodal transport system.

CIE represents leading companies and technology providers within the industry driving a world-leading mobility transition in Europe.