Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) and EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, have today announced the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a major thought leadership study on the return on investment (ROI) in bike-sharing schemes. The study, supported by members of CIE and EIT Urban Mobility, will quantify the economic, social, and environmental benefits of bike-sharing systems and provide recommendations for policymakers and urban planners.
Nick Brown, CEO of Velogik UK and project lead, commented:
“This study will serve as a critical tool in demonstrating the clear return on investment that bike-sharing systems can provide to cities and communities. By quantifying the health, environmental, and economic benefits, we aim to build a stronger case for the expansion of bike-sharing infrastructure across Europe. This research will not only help unlock further investment in sustainable transport but also support policymakers in making data-driven decisions that will benefit both the environment and the economy.”
The study will focus on several key areas, including the reduction of healthcare costs, productivity increases, the potential value of carbon credits, and the economic stimuli generated by cycling infrastructure. The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive White Paper with actionable recommendations for both the public and private sectors.
Kristian Brink, CEO of Urban Sharing and Chair of the Bike Share Expert Group for Cycling Industries Europe, stated:
“Bike-sharing systems are already delivering significant benefits across Europe, but there is still so much untapped potential. This study will provide valuable insights into the financial returns these systems can generate, and how they can contribute to achieving net-zero targets and sustainable urban development. By collaborating with CIE members and a top-tier research institution, we are ensuring that the findings are grounded in rigorous analysis and can drive real change in the cycling industry and beyond.”
The study will also examine the barriers preventing the widespread adoption of bike-sharing schemes and provide recommendations on overcoming these obstacles. These insights will be instrumental in shaping future policy and ensuring that bike-sharing is accessible and sustainable in cities across Europe.
Lauha Fried, Policy Director of Cycling Industries Europe, added:
“This study is an essential step toward providing evidence for the role of bike-sharing in the transition to greener and more sustainable transport. By highlighting the broad benefits and ROI, we can inspire more cities to implement bike-sharing schemes that not only improve public health but also contribute to economic resilience and climate goals. We are excited to see the impact this study will have on shaping policy and furthering our efforts to promote cycling as a viable and essential mode of transport.”
Bernadette Bergsma, Communications & EU Affairs Director of EIT Urban Mobility, added:
“Cycling is pivotal to the sustainable urban mobility transition, and a key mode of transport for urban areas in Europe. Partnering with Cycling Industries Europe on this study will help us access much-needed insights, allowing to quantify the benefits of cycling in general and of bike-sharing in particular. We look forward to sharing these key facts with stakeholders and decision-makers from the EU transport community.”
The RFP is open to research firms, academic institutions, and top-tier consultancies, with proposals due by 24 February 2025 at 4pm CET. The successful bidder will be expected to deliver a comprehensive White Paper that will support CIE’s mission to influence and inspire key stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
For more information or to submit a proposal, please visit EIT Urban Mobility.
About Cycling Industries Europe (CIE):
Cycling Industries Europe is the voice of the cycling business, actively promoting the sector in Europe and worldwide. CIE represents leading companies and technology providers within the cycling industry that are powering a world-leading mobility transition in Europe, from manufacturing components and full bikes, e-bikes and cargo bikes and, crucially, developing and growing new business models such as bike sharing, bike leasing, last mile deliveries and digital services.
About EIT Urban Mobility:
EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, aims to accelerate solutions and the transition towards a user-centric, integrated and truly multimodal transport system. As the leading European innovation community for urban mobility, EIT Urban Mobility works to avoid fragmentation by facilitating collaboration between cities, industry, academia, research and innovation to solve the most pressing mobility challenges of cities. Using cities as living labs, its industry, research and university partners will demonstrate how new technologies can work to solve real problems in real cities by transporting people, goods and waste in smarter ways.
For more information visit www.eiturbanmobility.eu
About Velogik UK:
Velogik UK is a leading hardware and software agnostic operator of bike-sharing schemes and services, offering innovative solutions for cities to promote sustainable transport. As part of Velogik’s commitment to advancing the bike-share sector, Velogik UK continues to lead projects that demonstrate the environmental, social, and economic value of cycling.
Source: Cycling Industries Europe (CIE)
