The functioning of the Kielce City Bike (KRM) system in 2023-2025 in the context of local conditions

Abstract

Research background: Sustainable urban mobility is one of the key challenges facing contemporary cities, stemming from the growing pressure on individual transport, spatial constraints, and the need to improve residents' quality of life. In this context, bicycle transportation and public bicycle sharing systems are viewed as tools supporting short and medium-sized journeys in a low-emission and space-efficient manner. However, the effectiveness of such solutions remains strongly dependent on local spatial, infrastructural, and organisational conditions. The city of Kielce provides an interesting case study due to its diverse topography and specific urban structure, which can reinforce barriers to cycling and highlight the potential of solutions that increase accessibility.

Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the performance of the Kielce City Bike (KRM) system in the years 2023-2025, in the real-world conditions of the city of Kielce, and to provide recommendations that can contribute to its more efficient use. This objective includes analysing the scale and structure of journeys, assessing the quality of the system's operation, and identifying barriers limiting demand for the service. The question was formulated: To what extent does the current system support the achievement of sustainable mobility goals, and what actions 
can improve its effectiveness?

Methodology: The functioning of the KRM system was quantitatively analyzed using operational data obtained from the operator's API and processed into an analytical model. The analysis was conducted in two ways: organizational and operational, with each approach taking into account time variability, trip profile, user ratings, and bicycle type. The selection of analytical approaches was based on practices described in the literature, particularly operational data analyses. The interpretation of the results was related to the local conditions of Kielce.

Findings: The most important results of the work include: identification of the conditions for the decline in system  utilisation, a set of indicators supporting the monitoring of demand, availability and failure rates, and recommendations for organisational, and maintenance activities.

Practical implications: The conclusions and indicators presented in this paper provide a basis for making development decisions, managing the fleet and station network, monitoring, and assessing the effects of the KRM system in future seasons. Consequently, they may contribute to improving the operation of bike sharing systems in other cities.

Originality / value: The presented research approach and obtained results may contribute to improving the functioning of bicycle sharing systems in other cities.