Glasgow’s public cycle hire scheme: analysis of usage between 2014 and 2016

This report focuses on usage of Glasgow’s mass bike hire scheme which was launched in 2014 to coincide with the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 

During the first two years of operation, there were around 200,000 bike hires made and 16,000 people registered to use the scheme. Most people registered to use the scheme live within Glasgow or the surrounding area, and a higher proportion of women than seen in other cycling activities have registered. 

The number of hires varied seasonally, and according to the day of the week. The number of hires in the summer were three to five times higher than those in the winter. Most hires took place on weekdays and during the periods 7.30am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm, suggesting the scheme is being used for commuting.  

There was a steady growth in usage during the two-year period, which may partly be associated with the increase in the number of hire locations. Most hires were for less than 30 minutes and the most popular rental location was Glasgow Green. 

This report forms part of a series of reports detailing descriptive analyses of data relating to cycling in Glasgow. These reports provide a picture of aspects of current cycling activity within the city. The other three reports cover cycle journeys on the Anderston-Argyle Street Bridge; cycle journeys on the South West City Way; and analysis of the Hands Up Survey of methods of travel to school for Glasgow school pupils. Our infographic has the key findings from this research: