2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The "Ride 4 SMILIES" bike share program stemmed from the research-driven "SMILIES" (Shared MicromobIlity for affordabLe accessIblE HouSing) pilot project, initiated in May 2022 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Led by the University of Arkansas and supported by the City of Fort Smith, Frontier MPO, Arkansas College of Health Education, and Tandem Mobility, with funding from the National Science Foundation, the project aimed to improve affordable housing accessibility. It focused on creating policy and strategy toolkits to guide decision-making on shared micromobility implementation in small and mid-sized cities. The objective was successfully achieved by fostering enhanced collaboration with pertinent stakeholders, including community leaders, city officials, and civic partners. This was accomplished through a series of workshops, questionnaire surveys to gain insights into community needs, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) aimed at refining the operational aspects once the bike share program became available for public use. The "Ride 4 SMILIES" program commenced with an initial fleet of 40 traditional pedal-powered bicycles distributed across eight stations. These stations were strategically located in neighborhoods with limited transportation options and near frequently utilized transit stops, a decision informed by all the stakeholders from Fort Smith. As demand for the service grew, 20 of the traditional pedal bikes were replaced with 20 electric-assist bicycles, further enhancing the program's accessibility and functionality. FGDs involving both users and non-users prompted station relocation and the addition of virtual bike stations after a year of operation. They also contributed to pricing plan development, future expansion strategies, expanded social media marketing, and the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards for residents without smartphones or traditional banking options. The bike share program empowered users to share real-time feedback through quick surveys after each trip. This feedback encompassed overall experiences, bike availability, electric-assist bike battery status, and station interactions. This user-centric approach extended from station selection to program operation and maintenance. To enhance accountability and sustainability, the City of Fort Smith collaborated closely with relevant stakeholders throughout the project and hired a mobility coordinator. The coordinator's role is to ensure the program aligns with user needs and remains sustainable in the long term. The project acknowledges that a more robust initial marketing effort could have boosted user adoption during the program's early months. In 2024, "Ride 4 SMILIES" enters its third year of operation, successfully addressing the transportation needs of residents seeking alternative options. Presently, approximately 60% of trips are taken by residents from low-income communities, with 14% of them lacking access to private vehicles. The program plays a crucial role in catering to carless individuals, enabling them to fulfill various trip purposes, including recreation, religious activities, grocery shopping, and commuting to work. Looking ahead, the program's sustainability will hinge significantly on the promptness of repair and maintenance work, with a growing reliance on local initiatives for its continued success.