NABSA, 2021 - Rolling with it : empowering shared micromobility
On October 28 and 29, the North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA) hosted its annual conference virtually for the second time since the pandemic began. The gathering brought together around 400 shared micromobility and transportation leaders, practitioners, and equipment providers, offering more than 20 sessions plus networking opportunities.
Credits : NABSA
What follows are six high-level lessons from the conference :
1. Positioning micromobility as a sustainable climate solution
Shared micromobility is on the precipice of something big and the actions of the industry will reverberate for generations to come. NABSA’s 2021 State of the Industry Report highlights the growth of first-time riders and the explosion of e-bikes. By positioning micromobility as a climate solution while generating revenue, the industry is more likely to secure an influx of both private and public funding.
2. To build a resilient transportation system, we need bikes and scooters
In a world where climate change and societal uncertainty are the “new normal,” shared micromobility can help cities withstand periods of difficulty. Shared micromobility can fill in transit gaps and help everyone move around easily and effectively.
“Bikes and scooters are an essential part of a resilient transportation network”
3. Shared micromobility is the gateway to critical mass
Shared micromobility presents an opportunity for people to try a new mode of transportation and get comfortable riding on city streets. For companies, traditional user acquisition costs are zero, because the product advertises itself. People see others cruising up a hill on an e-bike and decide to give it a try. And since e-bikes allow folks to travel longer distances and replace car trips, many people with the storage space and funds ultimately buy their own.
Credits : NABSA
4. Equity work needs to be emphasized and ongoing
The growth of e-bikes is a big equity win, opening up systems to more people (especially the elderly), but it’s not enough on its own. Every micromobility operator needs to be working towards equity, investing in comprehensive community engagement, reforming agencies internally, distributing stations and vehicles equitably, building systems that are inclusive of people with limited mobility, and lobbying for protected infrastructure.
5. Transit integration is the future
Allowing people to seamlessly connect from a public bus to a shared bike just makes sense: when you only need one phone app to route plan, buy tickets, and ride, you’re more likely to give up your car. Because a one-system model allows for discounts and fair-capping and eliminates barriers for transit users (who tend to be lower-income and/or BIPOC), integration helps make systems more equitable.
6. More research is needed
After all, empirical research demonstrates what we all anecdotally know to be true: shared micromobility is a win-win-win, and it’s not slowing down any time soon!
To read the original article : 2021 Learnings from NABSA