How public views of bikeshare systems change: Evidence from a longitudinal analysis

Bikeshare has become widely popular due to its numerous benefits, including alleviating traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Public opinion on bikeshare is constantly evolving and differs across various social media platforms, often affected by factors like the size of the bikeshare program. The intent of this study is to examine changes in public opinion regarding bikeshare systems by comparing data from multiple sources, including Twitter and web-based perception platforms. In addition, the study will focus on two specific bikeshare programs, DIVVY in Chicago, IL, and MOGO in Detroit, MI, USA, to examine how public perception varies at different scales. This study’s findings reveal significant differences in topic distribution and sentiment between the platforms and cities. First, web-based platforms captured operational feedback from active users, while Twitter reflected broader societal concerns about equity and safety. Second, both cities showed an anticipatory optimism effect where positive sentiment peaked before launch and declined post-implementation due to operational challenges and price increases. Third, the differences in system design, expansion patterns, and equity programs shaped city-specific narratives, highlighting how operational context influences public perception in shared mobility systems. The research findings endorse several policy implications, such as the need for varied data sources and continuous public involvement to improve the efficiency and user satisfaction of bikeshare schemes. These observations emphasize the significance of having many avenues for public input to consistently enhance and adjust bikeshare systems to suit changing user requirements and urban conditions.