From shared micro-mobility to shared responsibility: Using crowdsourcing to understand dockless vehicle violations in Austin, Texas

Abstract: In recent years, dockless small vehicles have surged in progressive U.S. cities as a car-free travel alternative for short distances. However, little is known about the social impact of this influx on public space. This study examined 4,100 parking violation reports in Austin, Texas, sourced from the Austin 311 non-emergency service request system. Results revealed sidewalk and public space intrusions as the most common violations, with park violations taking the longest to address. Smartphone applications were the primary reporting method, comprising 91% of reports, with significantly longer response times compared to phone calls. GIS hotspot analysis identified university campuses and downtown as violation clusters, with campus violations being resolved more promptly. The study suggests a shared responsibility framework for managing shared micromobility and leveraging crowdsourced data for stakeholder communication.

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For more information, please visit: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07352166.2020.1798244