Analysis of Network Structure of Urban Bike-Sharing System: A Case Study Based on Real-Time Data of a Public Bicycle System

Yi Yao, Yifang Zhang, Lixin Tian, Nianxing Zhou, Zhilin Li and Minggang Wang
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Yi Yao: School of Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Yifang Zhang: School of Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Lixin Tian: School of Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Nianxing Zhou: School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Zhilin Li: Department of Mathematics, North Carolina State University, NC 27695, USA
Minggang Wang: School of Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: To better understand the characteristics of a bike-sharing system, we applied complex network methods to analyze the relationship between stations within the bike-sharing system. Firstly, using Gephi software, we constructed the public bicycle networks of different urban areas based on the real-time data of the Nanjing public bicycle system. Secondly, we analyzed and compared degree, strength, radiation distance, and community structure of the networks to understand the internal relations of the public bicycle system. The results showed that there were many stations with low usage of public bicycles. Furthermore, there was a geographical division between high-demand and low-demand areas for public bicycles. The usage of public bicycles at a station was not only related to land use but also related to the usage of bicycles at stations nearby. Moreover, the average service coverage of the public bicycle system was consistent with the original intention of “the first and last mile”, and public bicycles could meet different travel needs.

Keywords: sustainable mode of transportation; bike-sharing system; public bicycle; complex network; network structure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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