Question

You have read the passage from “Active Travel for All? The Surge in Public Bike-Sharing Programs,” in which the author focuses on the global trend of bike-share programs. Enter an essay arguing whether these programs are worth the effort to develop and whether the benefits of such programs outweigh the citywide costs. Use evidence from the passage to support your response.

Answer 1

Bike-share programs provide numerous benefits that include reducing travel costs for commuters, easing city congestion for planners, and lowering carbon emissions from an environmentalist's lens. Such programs are often subsidized because their advantages align with broader social, economic, and environmental goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around evaluating the efficacy of bike-share programs and determining whether the benefits outweigh the citywide costs. Bike-share programs are an initiative many urban areas consider to boost sustainable transportation and reduce traffic congestion. They offer a network of bikes that people can rent and use for short periods, providing a green alternative to motorized transportation.

From a commuter's perspective, bike-share programs can significantly reduce daily travel costs and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. City planners see these programs as a way to ease traffic congestion, improve urban mobility, and reduce the environmental impact of transportation. Meanwhile, environmental activists would support bike-share programs due to their potential to decrease carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly transport options.

Subsidizing urban transit systems, including bike-share programs, is a strategy that urban areas employ to enhance public transportation, make it more accessible and appealing, and reduce the reliance on private vehicles. The argument for subsidies typically revolves around the social, economic, and environmental benefits that improved public transit systems can bring to a city.

Answer 2

Bike-share programs can bring several benefits to cities, making them worth the effort to develop. They provide an accessible and affordable mode of transportation, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and promote a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that the overall benefits of bike-share programs outweigh the costs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Are bike-share programs worth the effort to develop and do the benefits outweigh the citywide costs?

Bike-share programs can bring several benefits to cities, making them worth the effort to develop. First, they provide an accessible and affordable mode of transportation for short distances, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Additionally, these programs promote a healthier and more active lifestyle.

While there are costs involved in implementing and maintaining bike-share programs, such as infrastructure and operational expenses, studies have shown that the overall benefits outweigh these costs. For example, a study conducted in Barcelona found that the benefits of their bike-sharing program exceeded the costs by a ratio of 1.77 to 1. Therefore, it can be argued that bike-share programs are indeed worth the effort to develop, considering the positive impacts they have on transportation, health, and the environment.