Bike Share - Illustrated History and Contemporary Analysis

In this review of Bike Share, Elliot Fishman offers a thorough historical and contemporary examination for readers interested in urban mobility and cycling policy. The book is best for planners, transport researchers, and avid cyclists who want a clear account of how bike share programs evolved and how recent technological shifts are reshaping fleets worldwide. The single biggest reason to buy is Fishman's focus on both major long-running systems and the rapid emergence of dockless and electric assist models, which gives readers a coherent picture of where bike sharing stands today.

Key Features

• Historical scope: A detailed 50-year timeline explains the major developments that led to modern bike share systems, helping readers understand long term trends.
• Contemporary case studies: Focused chapters on prominent systems such as Paris, London, and New York illustrate practical differences in design and governance across cities.
• Dockless sector coverage: Clear analysis of the rapidly emerging dockless model highlights why most of the global fleet shifted to dockless options in recent years.
• Technology discussion: Examination of mobile internet devices and electric assist bicycles shows how rapid innovation may change urban mobility beyond cycling.
• Fleet scale perspective: Up-to-date figures and trends explain the growth to more than 20 million bikes globally and the implications of such scale for cities.

Who It's For

Bike Share is best for transport professionals, urban planners, policy makers, and academics who need a compact but comprehensive review of how bike sharing developed and where it is headed. It suits readers who appreciate case studies and discussion of technological change rather than step-by-step implementation guides.

Casual cyclists looking for maintenance tips or a how-to manual on riding or fixing bikes should look elsewhere, as the book focuses on program history, system design and policy rather than hands-on cycling instruction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a clear historical narrative that places modern systems in broader context.
• Strong contemporary coverage of major systems and the fast-growing dockless sector.
• Thoughtful discussion of technology trends, including mobile devices and electric assist bikes.

Cons

• Not a practical field manual, so readers wanting operational checklists may need supplemental resources.

Specifications

Title	Bike Share
Author	Elliot Fishman
Subject focus	History and contemporary bike share programs
Geographic examples	Paris, London, New York and global trends
Technology topics	Mobile internet devices and electric assist bicycles
Fleet scale	Discussion of more than 20 million bikes globally

Our Verdict

Bike Share is a valuable, well-researched resource for professionals and engaged readers who want a clear synthesis of fifty years of bike share development and an up-to-date look at dockless and electric trends. Its focus on case studies and technological change makes it good value for those studying urban mobility, though readers seeking practical operational guides will need other titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover dockless bike share?
Yes. It explores the rapidly emerging dockless sector and explains how most of the global fleet moved to dockless models in recent years.

Are electric bicycles and mobile apps discussed?
Yes. The book addresses mobile internet devices and electric assist bicycles and how they may reshape urban mobility.

Is this a how-to manual for implementing a bike share?
No. The book focuses on history, case studies and analysis rather than operational checklists or maintenance instructions.