Optimizing bike sharing system stations for improving usage efficiency and economic viability : a case study in New York city

Abstract

The global population has increased from 7.4 billion to 8.2 billion during the last decade, and 55% of people live in cities, this ratio expected to rise to 68% by 2050. This has left cities with the difficult burden of controlling traffic congestion and pollution while meeting the high demand for city infrastructure. Bike sharing systems (BSS) have quickly gained popularity as an appealing and long-term solution to these issues yet their distribution is often criticized as unequal, with stations clustered in wealthier neighborhoods, and rigorous evidence on local economic impacts remains limited. This study estimates the causal economic effect of BSS station openings on visits to nearby points of interest (POIs) and derives sitting guidance to enhance both usage efficiency and inclusivity. The difference-in-differences design was applied along with propensity score matching for pairing treated POIs with comparable control POIs. The results highlight a significant average treatment effect of ≈ +17% increase in POI visits during the first 3 months after opening a bike station nearby. However, the effects are heterogeneous. By distance from POI to station, gains are largest very close to the station, 0–100 m: ~+26%; 100–200 m: ~+17%. These patterns suggest practical siting rules: prioritize locations within ≤ 300–400 m of target POIs, aiming for ≤ 100 m in high- potential areas, and tailor placement to local urban form to improve access and equity. Future work should extend the panel back to initial rollout (e.g., 2013), examine time-of- day/weekday variation, and explore broader built-environment and equity metrics across cities. The findings provide actionable evidence for policymakers, planners, operators, and local businesses on where BSS stations can most effectively stimulate nearby economic activity while supporting a more inclusive and sustainable mobility network