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Study on return on investment in bike-sharing schemes

A groundbreaking study by EY, commissioned by EIT Urban Mobility and Cycling Industries Europe, reveals bike-sharing’s transformative power: €305 million in annual benefits, from cleaner air and healthier citizens to reduced congestion and job creation. The message to decision-makers is clear: bike-sharing is not just sustainable—it’s strategic.

Hands holding the report of Return on investment in Bike Sharing Schemes

A multidimensional impact

Bike-sharing schemes save 46,000 tons of CO₂e yearly, but their real value lies in broader societal gains. By replacing car trips, they slash air pollution, preventing 968 chronic diseases and saving €40 million in healthcare costs. They also ease traffic, reclaiming 760,000 hours lost to congestion—worth €30 million in productivity gains. And with 6,000 direct jobs supported, they foster local economies while making mobility affordable, cutting transport costs by up to 90% compared to cars.

A smart public investment

For cities, the numbers speak for themselves: every euro invested yields a 10% annual return, generating €1.10 in positive externalities. By 2030, these benefits could triple to €1 billion if bike-sharing is prioritized.

The report projects 224,000 tons of CO₂e avoided, 4,205 fewer chronic diseases, and 12,900 jobs—delivering a 75% annual return on investment for public spending.

Read the report here

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How to unlock the potential

The study identifies four levers for growth:

Demand
increase

due to urban concentration and rising awareness

Supply
increase

due to climate regulation and peripherical expansion

Fleet
electrification

strong interest from users in these bikes

Territorial
expansion

to address the gaps in major cities

These successes rely on 3 conditions for success :

1
Strengthen policy support (long-term funding, cycling infrastructure) and foster stakeholders’ cooperation
2
Enable flexible bike-sharing by adapting supply, improving reliability, and using data-driven decision making
3
Promote a strong cycling culture through integration with public transport and continuous improvements in cycling infrastructure