Leveraging multi-use paths and bike-sharing systems to address first- and last-mile challenges in public transit networks

Integrating bike-sharing systems and multi-use paths (MUPs) into public transit networks has the potential to address first- and last-mile (FLM) challenges, yet limited research has examined how potential users may respond to such integration. To address this gap, this study conducted a survey in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area to investigate behavioral intentions under hypothetical scenarios involving the integration of bike-sharing, MUPs, and public transit. Based on the survey data, we applied both global and geographically weighted logistic regression models to examine associations between behavioral intentions and attitudes toward bike-sharing, the built environment, and socioeconomic characteristics. The results show that individual preferences, attitudes toward facility improvements, and self-reported FLM barriers are associated with behavioral intentions. The exploratory analysis further suggests that these associations vary across integration types and geographic contexts. These findings can inform targeted, context-sensitive multimodal strategies to improve FLM connectivity and support active travel and public transit use.