Survey Study of Arkansas Micromobility Program Shows 36 Percent of Users Shifted from Personal Vehicles.
A Bikeshare Program Was Piloted With 40 Bikes in Four Neighborhoods of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Fort Smith
Shared Micromobility Pilot Promotes Low-Income Access in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Summary Information
Shared micromobility is extending beyond major cities and gaining traction in smaller and rural communities. This study piloted a shared micromobility initiative in Fort Smith, Arkansas from early 2022 to late 2024, to help people travel to jobs and essential activities for affordable housing communities, as well as determining a long-term pricing strategy and sources of funding to sustain the micromobility program. The pilot featured a bikeshare system with 40 bikes and was evaluated based on user trip-making behaviors through a trip-end survey. As of April 2024, the system has logged over 12,000 miles from more than 1,600 users.
METHODOLOGY
In this study, the bikeshare pilot involved 20 electric bicycles (e-bikes) and 20 traditional bicycles in four neighborhoods, including three low-income neighborhoods with a total of six stations and one affluent neighborhood with two stations. The researchers determined the locations for the bikeshare stations in all four neighborhoods through a community input process.
FINDINGS
- Results showed 36 percent of users shifted from personal vehicles.
- Results also showed that 60 percent of bikeshare trips taken were by low-income riders, indicating the pilot’s success in boosting mobility in low-income areas of Fort Smith.
