How the COVID-19 pandemic changed travel behaviour? A case study on public bikes in Seoul

Abstract

This study aims to examine how travel behaviour has changed after the COVID-19 outbreak, specifically focusing on the use of public bikes in Seoul. In January 2020, the Korean government reported its first COVID-19 case and implemented several levels of social distancing measures excluding movement restrictions. These measures, coupled with the fear of infection, resulted in reduced social interactions and, further, changed travel behaviour. Transit usage in Seoul has experienced a significant decline of approximately 25% in 2020 and 2021 compared to the previous two years. However, the use of public bikes continued to rise even during the pandemic, unaffected by the prevalence of the disease. Moreover, there was a doubling of public bike usage during commute hours, implying the potential of public bikes as an alternative travel mode for commute purposes. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 acted as a disruptive shock that prompted changes in travel behaviour. Policymakers should seize this opportunity to promote the wider adoption of cycling, potentially through the development of more efficient and safer infrastructure as well as the implementation of various incentives.