Optimizing bike-sharing station locations: A machine learning and artificial neural networks approach using geospatial and demographic data

Marek Weis and Wojciech Dawid

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 5, 1-1

Abstract: In the modern world, public transportation amenities are noticeably on the rise, with urban bike-sharing systems becoming well-established in many major cities. However, not all cities have these systems, and planning optimal locations for bike-sharing stations is a complex task that requires consideration of many factors. To address this, the authors of this research paper developed a model to predict suitable locations for bike-sharing stations, utilizing machine learning techniques and artificial neural networks. These techniques utilized land cover and demographic data to train the model, achieving a high accuracy of 0.977. The predicted bike-sharing stations not only align with existing networks but also support their expansion, as many suggested locations are near major intersections and public transportation stops, confirming their suitability for the urban bike network. Additionally, the model was applied to Rzeszów, a city without a current bike-sharing system, where it successfully identified optimal locations for new stations. This demonstrates the methodology’s practical applicability and its valuable support for planning bike-sharing infrastructure in urban areas.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0349339

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349339

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