Bike-sharing in Europe worth €305 Million in annual benefits

Once viewed as a niche urban experiment, bike-sharing has evolved into one of Europe’s most impactful yet underrated innovations.

Far beyond its environmental benefits, it has become a key component of modern transport networks, bridging first and last-mile gaps, easing congestion, and improving public health.

A study by EY, commissioned by Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) and EIT Urban Mobility, is the first of its kind to quantify the full economic and social value of bike-sharing. The research found that Europe’s bike-sharing systems deliver €305 million in annual benefits, including cleaner air, healthier citizens, reduced congestion and thousands of local jobs.

According to the report, bike-sharing schemes save 46,000 tons of CO₂e each year, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than six times compared with private cars – equivalent to the annual footprint of 4,300 Europeans. By replacing car trips, they help prevent nearly 1,000 chronic diseases annually, saving €40 million in healthcare costs. They also ease congestion by reclaiming 760,000 hours lost to traffic, generating an additional €30 million in productivity gains.

More than 150 European cities operate bike-sharing schemes, from the scale of  Paris with 42,200 bikes to towns with just a few dozen bicycles. Last year 28 million trips were made on London’s dockless bikes, the most of any European city.

Economically, the sector supports around 6,000 direct jobs and slashes personal transport costs by up to 90%, strengthening accessibility and social inclusion. For public authorities, the return on investment is clear: every euro invested yields a 10% annual return, generating €1.10 in positive externalities.

The study forecasts that, by 2030, these benefits could triple to €1 billion annually, avoiding 224,000 tons of CO₂e, preventing 4,200 chronic diseases and supporting 12,900 jobs – delivering a 75% annual return on public spending.

However, unlocking this potential requires bold action. The report calls for stronger policy support, flexible and data-driven bike-sharing systems, and a deeper integration of cycling with public transport.

Nick Brown, CEO of Velogik UK and Project Lead for the study, said: ‘For the first time, we can put a financial value on the benefits of bike sharing – and the results are transformational. This isn’t just about cycling; it’s about proving that investing in active mobility generates measurable economic returns for cities and citizens alike. This study marks a ground-breaking moment for our industry and lays the foundation for wider recognition of cycling as one of the smartest investments a city can make.’

Lauha Fried, Policy Director at Cycling Industries, says: ‘We hope this study will reshape the way cities think of bike sharing. Bike sharing is no longer only a cost, but an investment that delivers clear returns – from reduced emissions and cleaner air to greater productivity and healthier citizens. Cities like Paris, with more than 75 million rides a month, prove how quickly bike sharing can go mainstream and transform how people move and how cities thrive.’

Photo: EIT Urban Mobility