Abstract:

This guidebook provides municipalities with concrete recommendations for action in dealing with the new dockless bike sharing systems. The starting point is the conviction of the publishers that these systems can promote cycling and in the process help bring about a transformation of the transportation system toward sustainability, as part of a larger urban mobility strategy. However, these effects can only develop under certain preconditions: namely, if the systems are viewed as an integrated component of a larger strategy bundle, if their benefits and risks are carefully weighed against each other, and if the municipalities can adequately meet their steering responsibilities. Appropriate action could also include regulatory measures, especially to achieve a balanced use of the scarce resource of public space. The guidebook is primarily directed at stakeholders in politics and municipal administrations, but is also meant for all other key players and stakeholders who have a role in this discussion. It is also, insofar as there is a need for the reform of the regulatory framework, addressed at the legislator. This guidebook was compiled in cooperative effort between the Association of German Cities (DST), the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), the German Cyclists‘ Association (ADFC) and Agora Verkehrswende.