Use a data visualization software called Tableau to present a business proposal for a bike-sharing company. Analyzing usage and trends of NYC Citi Bike Sharing to further implement a similar business in Des Moines, Iowa.
While using Tableau, a professional Data Analysis software, we found some interesting trends and analysis regarding the bike sharing business. With near 2.3 million records for the month of August 2019 alone, here are some of the interesting facts:
- Peak bike usage is 5-7pm, suggesting after-work social activities and tourist interactions.
- A slight peak in 8-9am possibly represents the need for the working population to escape morning traffic with Citi Bikes.
- Starting and ending bike route stations data shows most data aggregated in Manhattan.
- 70% of bike usage is by males, and about 20% is by females.
A unique angle we took to compare Des Moines and NYC was the density of one of the most popular fast food chains: McDonalds. We compiled data to display the density of McDonalds and see if it affects the people’s choices in where they want to go in the city. Here are quick facts about both cities from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts:
| Des Moines | NYC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population estimates (July 2019) | 214,237 | 8,336,817 |
| Total Number of Firms (2012) | 16,543 | 1,050,911 |
| Most Populous City Ranking (2019) | 105th | 1st |
| Population per square mile (2010) | 2,515.6 | 27,012.5 |
| Land area in square miles (2010) | 80.87 | 302.64 |
Taking all of the quick facts into account, we can speculate why a Citi Bike business might be noticeably different to run in both cities. Analysis the McDonalds density analysis, we noticed some interesting details about both cities hosting the fast food franchise:
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NYC McDonalds are clustered together (21 total restaurants within 5 miles)
- Des Moines McDonalds are spread apart, even though Des Moines Area Size is larger (14 total within 15 miles)
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Since more NYC locations are present in clusters, more options for people to go
- Since less DM locations are present, the increased distance will possibly diminish bike riding
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NYC is known for attractions, tourism, the arts and being a Western cultural icon
- DM is home to many famous insurance companies and caucus meetings to discuss and vote on the candidates for US primary and general elections
While NYC is a mecca for the arts, entertainment and tourism, Des Moines currently might not have the capacity and demands for a bike sharing business. We would need more data to analyze trends in Des Moines such as city traffic, tourism profits, and population metrics.