학내 언론사

Kicker: WORLD

Shared Bicycles: A Street Nuisance or a Global Solution?

By Eun-jin Kim, Cub-Reporter

eunxvn@naver.com

Shared bicycles are now common in many cities. However, problems caused by careless parking are also increasing. Many people complain about shared bicycles left on sidewalks or roads after use. On the other hand, several cities around the world are introducing new ways to reduce these issues, such as setting up specific parking zones, requiring return photos through mobile apps, or even adding digital reward systems.

Structured Stations: The Paris Model

One of the oldest and most stable examples of managing this issue can be found in Paris, France, with its service known as “Vélib’ Métropole.” This public bicycle system operates throughout Paris and the Greater Paris region. Users must return the bicycles to fixed stations after using them. Because shared bicycles in Paris do not follow a system where they can be left anywhere on the street, they function alongside fixed hubs. Therefore, the system has successfully established itself as a relatively stable part of urban transportation.

However, the system is still changing over time. Starting from August 2025, the fee structure was changed, and the usage conditions for certain electric bicycles were also adjusted. This shows that cities need proper management systems, not just more bicycles. Instead, good management systems, proper prices, and strict return rules must work together to reduce problems on the streets.

Regulatory Expansion and Technical Limitations in London

Unlike Paris, London has serious problems with bicycles blocking sidewalks. The city of London and Transport for London, which is commonly known as TfL, are currently reviewing plans to expand designated parking zones painted on the ground, which are called “bays,” to ensure the safer parking for dockless e-bikes. In some specific areas, local authorities are taking much stronger measures against bicycles that block public sidewalks.

According to local reports, some operating companies are using app-based photo verifications to filter out incorrectly parked bicycles. Some services also give rewards to encourage users to return bicycles properly. Despite these technological efforts, the problem of bicycles piling up on sidewalks and pavements still remains. This means that technology by itself is not enough to solve the problem. It clearly shows that support and rules from local governments must be combined with technical solutions.

Incentives and Gamification in Singapore

Singapore is also trying different ways to improve shared bicycle culture. Some bicycle companies provide points or small rewards when users return bicycles properly. These bicycles are often placed near MRT stations, bus centers, and residential areas for easier access. This case shows that rewards can encourage people to use shared bicycles more responsibly.

Designing Sustainable Shared Mobility

These three cases show that the success of shared bicycles does not depend only on the number of bicycles. Instead, the focus must be on how companies manage the fleet and how they encourage people to use them responsibly. Paris emphasizes stability through a fixed return framework, London strengthens regulations to reduce messy parking, and Singapore increases user participation through rewards and corporate collaborations.

In conclusion, shared bicycles can be a useful transportation method in cities. However, overseas cases show that the conditions for success require designing management systems, clear rules, and active user engagement rather than simple expansion. In the future, if shared bicycles in South Korea want to become a tool that makes urban mobility more flexible, rather than a nuisance that increases pedestrian discomfort, clear rules and good management systems will be important. 

sources :

https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/news/in-paris/articles/339163-transport-in-paris-and-ile-de-france-what-s-changing-in-2026-for-ratp-velib-zfe-and-parking

https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/transport/walking-cycling/cycling/dockless-hire-e-bikes-and-e-scooters/

https://wonderwall.sg/workplay/anywheel-helloride-bike-sharing-in-singapore