Anindya Debnath's PhD Dissertation Defense

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Title: Pedaling towards Equity: Navigating Transportation Challenges through Bike Share Adoption in Small US Cities

Small cities exhibit unique characteristics, making the generalization of their mobility patterns challenging. Consequently, the needs and challenges influencing travel behavior in big metropolitan areas differ significantly from those in smaller counterparts. These places are often characterized by longer travel distances, fewer trips, and car-oriented mobility. In small U.S. cities, transportation options are often limited, leaving many residents with restricted access to essential services, employment opportunities, and social engagement. Traditional public transit may not fully meet the diverse needs of these communities, especially those with limited resources. Shared micro-mobility options including bike share systems offer a promising solution by providing an affordable, flexible, and sustainable mode of transport. However, small-sized cities struggle to attract and operate bikeshare providers. This is attributed to a mismatch between community needs and business models of bikeshare providers. In the context of small cities, the research intends to share insights on how the development of these programs depends on a meaningful understanding of their transportation challenges followed by the adoption and accessibility of the bikeshare service, particularly for low-income and disadvantaged residents.