The findings of the Beryl Annual Rider Report, obtained from 172 riders across Watford in September 2022, have been unveiled today...
A major piece of Beryl rider research has unearthed a number of interesting new trends in Watford, including much greater integration with the wider transport networks and a decline in private vehicle use.
One of the standout findings from the data is a big increase in riders connecting their Beryl trips with public transport, with 66% compared to just 40% in 2021. The average distance of those journeys are less than 2.5km, showing the increasing importance of bikeshare as an option for the first and last mile journeys
Another key finding shows that practicality has overtaken pleasure, with convenience (34%), speed (20%) and cost (20%) now the two most important reasons for signing up. Fun and novelty/trying new things have dropped by 11% (now 15%) and 10% (now 14%) respectively. Cost has increased in importance this year to 20%.
As usage for practical purposes grows, car usage decreases, with 42% of all riders stating that they have reduced their car usage since using Beryl vehicles - an increase from 36% last year.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Since we introduced the Beryl bike scheme just over two years ago, it’s gone from strength to strength. I am really pleased to see the increase in ridership over the last year and it is encouraging that many people have said they are reducing their car usage by using Beryl bikes to link up with public transport options. In addition to the health benefits to individual riders, this will help the whole town by making our air cleaner and reducing congestion.
“We all know that Council services work best when we listen to people using those services and continue to change to meet their needs. The annual survey from Beryl and the information we receive from riders is so essential and will ensure that the Beryl Bike scheme remains a success for many years to come.”
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “As the UK’s leading micromobility operator, we know from experience how important data and feedback is in understanding our users, identifying trends and ensuring that we’re providing services that are accessible, and work for everyone.
“Our findings this year are reflective of external factors and show that, in line with rising cost of living, people are recognising the value of shared micromobility schemes as a more cost-effective, practical and convenient alternative to private vehicle ownership.
“We will continue to use insights like this to guide our data-driven approach, delivering schemes in consultation with communities and key stakeholders as part of an integrated transport network.
“By doing this we can continue to get more people swapping four wheels for two and help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion while improving air quality and public health.”
Other findings further demonstrate the increased demand for practicality, with riding for work almost doubling from 39% last year to 58% this year. Other practical factors such as business (+5%) and education/school run (+11%) have also increased while riding for leisure purposes has dropped from 60% to 44%.
Riders are also embracing variety and, compared to 2021, are much more likely to try multiple modes. The number of people riding bikes and e-bikes has vastly increased from 41% to 73%, while the number of riders just using bikes has more than halved from 48% in 2021 to just 20% this year.
Riders were also surveyed across Beryl-operated schemes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Hereford, Norwich and the Isle of Wight, along with Greater Manchester.
The survey was sent to riders via email and within the Beryl app. Of those who responded across Watford, 16% had signed up but not yet taken a ride, while 84% had taken at least one ride.
The survey allows us to understand riders’ motivations, as well as their behaviour before, during and after riding our vehicles.
The full report can be downloaded here
