Preparatory study for the future Brussels shared bike system: benchmarking and recommendations
22085
From 2023 to 2024
TML worked on a comparative study of bike-sharing networks in European cities to make recommendations for a new bike-sharing system in Brussels to replace Villo. We conducted in-depth analyses of existing systems, held interviews with local institutions to identify best practices, and formulated our recommendations for a new system.
In 2026, the Brussels Capital Region's (BCR) concession with Villo (JC Decaux) for their bike-sharing system will expire. From then on, the BCR wants to set up an attractive system that better meets the needs and wishes of Brussels residents. TML therefore collaborated on a comparative study of bike-sharing networks in other European cities in four stages:
TML made important contributions within each of the four phases.
What does the benchmark show?
A number of factors contribute to a high use of shared bike systems. The main ones are:
However, the real impact of bike sharing systems is difficult to assess, as there are usually few clear objectives and evaluations. Generally speaking, these systems do not significantly shift modes of transport and have little impact on car use. For example, the number of trips on shared bikes is usually low compared to public transport. However, they can promote cycling and trigger a cycling culture in cities that are still at the beginning of their cycling development. The visibility of cycling is also increasing, making cycling a political issue.
So why invest or not invest in such systems?
The government subsidy for shared bike systems is relatively small compared to the budget for public transport or road infrastructure, but significant and comparable to the current Brussels cycling budget. On the other hand, mobility plans that really make space for bikes and pedestrians, such as Good Move in Brussels, are more effective ways to increase the bike share. Moreover, highly educated people are overrepresented among users, which means that shared bicycles remain primarily a public investment for this group.
What does the study recommend for the new bike-sharing system?
For their new, more attractive system, the study recommends a bike-sharing system with 7,500 electric share bikes with integrated battery. Those e-bikes offer a better user experience, attract new users, and - the comparison with other cities shows - are widely used. The proposed network is denser, with 600 stations (including 250 new ones) to make travel time shorter. The study also stresses the importance of achievable and measurable public targets for the system, to be evaluated annually. Furthermore, proper preparation for implementation of the system is crucial.
In 2026, the Brussels Capital Region's (BCR) concession with Villo (JC Decaux) for their bike-sharing system will expire. From then on, the BCR wants to set up an attractive system that better meets the needs and wishes of Brussels residents. TML therefore collaborated on a comparative study of bike-sharing networks in other European cities in four stages:
- The selection of cities to be studied based on an analysis of different sub-systems.
- An in-depth analysis of these selected sub-systems (Antwerp, Budapest, Madrid, Marseille, and Paris).
- Meetings and discussions with relevant local institutions and operators.
- The formulation of recommendations for the future Brussels system based on a scenario analysis.
TML made important contributions within each of the four phases.
What does the benchmark show?
A number of factors contribute to a high use of shared bike systems. The main ones are:
-
- A dense network of stations
- Quality bicycles adapted to the area
- Customer-friendly user experience
- Simple, attractive fares
- Strong identity that links to the region or city
- A committed service provider
- Public funding guaranteed in the long term
However, the real impact of bike sharing systems is difficult to assess, as there are usually few clear objectives and evaluations. Generally speaking, these systems do not significantly shift modes of transport and have little impact on car use. For example, the number of trips on shared bikes is usually low compared to public transport. However, they can promote cycling and trigger a cycling culture in cities that are still at the beginning of their cycling development. The visibility of cycling is also increasing, making cycling a political issue.
So why invest or not invest in such systems?
The government subsidy for shared bike systems is relatively small compared to the budget for public transport or road infrastructure, but significant and comparable to the current Brussels cycling budget. On the other hand, mobility plans that really make space for bikes and pedestrians, such as Good Move in Brussels, are more effective ways to increase the bike share. Moreover, highly educated people are overrepresented among users, which means that shared bicycles remain primarily a public investment for this group.
What does the study recommend for the new bike-sharing system?
For their new, more attractive system, the study recommends a bike-sharing system with 7,500 electric share bikes with integrated battery. Those e-bikes offer a better user experience, attract new users, and - the comparison with other cities shows - are widely used. The proposed network is denser, with 600 stations (including 250 new ones) to make travel time shorter. The study also stresses the importance of achievable and measurable public targets for the system, to be evaluated annually. Furthermore, proper preparation for implementation of the system is crucial.
