AN EMERGING ELECTRIC BICYCLE-BASED MODE IN URBAN TRANSPORTATION: THE CASE OF ESKİŞEHİR

Rapid population growth and changes in population density create various transportation problems in cities. Addressing these issues prioritizes reducing individual vehicle use, enhancing public transportation efficiency, and promoting environmentally friendly transportation. Bicycles are the most common form of sustainable and environmentally friendly urban transportation. With developing technology, traditional bicycles have been replaced by electric bicycles (e-bikes), which allow for longer distances to be traveled with less effort. Eskişehir is the first city in Türkiye where e-bikes are systematically in service. This study examines 1,894 trip data from Eskişehir's shared e-bike fleet in Tepebaşı and Odunpazarı districts between January and March 2023. It provides a detailed analysis of travel patterns and user profiles, considering factors such as air temperature, user age, gender, average speed, and usage hours. The analysis aims to enhance service in Eskişehir and offers insights for implementation in other cities. The results of the study identified areas with high demand for bicycle paths, leading to the creation of a bicycle priority region proposal. This proposal integrates existing bicycle paths and e-bike trips to pinpoint regions where the need for bicycle infrastructure is greatest.