A Simple Method for Estimating the Optimal Number of Bike-and-Ride Places at Public Transport Stations

Nearly everyone in China owns a bicycle and while car ownership in China is expanding rapidly, the bicycle remains the primary mode of transport for many people. In this article, the author argues that this presents China with a unique opportunity to resolve urban transport problems simply, quickly, and cheaply by integrating bicycle traffic with public transport services. By providing Bike-and-Ride facilities at public transport stations, it is possible to promote the convenience of public transport over the private motor vehicle. The author demonstrates that calculating the number of parking places needed at public transport stations is relatively easy at the periphery of cities, but more complex when the station is situated in a densely built-up area.