No Balanço da Rede IV: Shared Electric Bicycles

This event is part of Balanço da Rede IV and will feature a panel discussion on the importance, impacts, and modernization of shared bicycle systems for urban mobility. A shared bicycle system is a public policy initiative that encourages active mobility, physical activity, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by providing bicycles at docking stations or through smart locks (in stationless systems) for shared public use, offering easy access through physical or digital platforms. The concept first emerged in Europe in the 20th century with Amsterdam’s “white bicycles” and later evolved into increasingly complex systems, leading to today’s third generation, which incorporates information technology. In Brazil, the first shared bicycle system was implemented in 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, later expanding to several other cities. In 2016, the city of Fortaleza launched the Bicicletar program, which now features a wide network of stations across the city and has introduced an important innovation — the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes). The focus of this panel will be the experience of this system in Fortaleza. The event will feature the participation of Mateus Tavares (CicloUrb), Fábio Fonseca (UFRN), and Miguel Cantanhede (NAGEP).