New York and Chicago asked residents to suggest sites for new docking stations. Most were not put at those locations, but that doesn’t mean collecting public input is not a useful and important part of the planning process, say researchers.
A study about bikeshare and public participation shows that most docking stations are not sited in locations recommended by the public. New York solicited input for its 2014–2015 expansion, and just 5 percent of new stations were built near the 2,000 sites suggested. In Chicago, 10 percent of new docking stations were near locations recommended through an interactive online map.
But, these findings do not necessarily indicate that public officials and planners do not consider public input, say researchers Greg Griffin and Junfeng Jiao. Many considerations go into the design of a bikeshare system, including prioritizing gaps in the network, finding locations where stations can be placed, and contending with public resistance to proposed dock sites.
Griffin and Jiao say that their analysis provides useful lessons for cities about engaging residents. "The online maps enabled residents to take direct action in planning their cities, rather than just commenting on the ideas of planners—or waking up to discover a docking station had been built outside their door," they note.
In addition, they say engagement efforts that leave records, such as the bikeshare ones in New York and Chicago, allow researchers to better understand the outcomes and effectiveness of public outreach.
FULL STORY: Why Do Cities Discount Public Input in Expanding Bikeshare Systems?
LeBron James Wants Kids to Bike
The NBA star says bikes have played an important role in his life, and he wants young people to have the same access and freedom that biking gave him.
Nation's Second Bikeshare Fatality Under Investigation in Manhattan
The police report conflicts with videos showing CitiBike rider Dan Hanegby, 36, an avid cyclist on his daily commute, being hit by a charter bus on June 12. Almost a year earlier, a Divvy Bike rider was fatally struck by a truck in Chicago.
Keeping NYC’s E-Bike Fleet Charged and Running
How a crew of hundreds maintains one of the world’s largest bike share systems.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.
Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada