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The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Sep 06, 2024, 10:36

This passage explores Luud Schimmelpennink’s pivotal role in developing urban bike-sharing schemes. It traces the origins of the Witte Fietsenplan in 1965 Amsterdam, Schimmelpennink's attempts to expand it, and its evolution into successful global programs. Despite early setbacks, including rejection by city councils and challenges with technology, Schimmelpennink’s persistence led to the world’s first large-scale bike-sharing program and inspired similar initiatives worldwide.

 

This passage helps with the IELTS Reading section by illustrating how to synthesise detailed historical and technical information, extract significant events, and understand the evolution of concepts over time. Mastering these skills will improve your ability to navigate complex texts and enhance your IELTS reading score.

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1. The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below.

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2. The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Questions & Answers.

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1.

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

 

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Passage

 

Paragraph A

The original idea for an urban bike-sharing scheme dates back to a summer’s day in Amsterdam in 1965. Provo, the organization that came up with the idea, was a group of Dutch activists who wanted to change society. They believed the scheme, which was known as the Witte Fietsenplan, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism. In the center of Amsterdam, they painted a small number of used bikes white. They also distributed leaflets describing the dangers of cars and inviting people to use the white bikes. The bikes were then left unlocked at various locations around the city, to be used by anyone in need of transport.
 

Paragraph B

Luud Schimmelpennink, a Dutch industrial engineer who still lives and cycles in Amsterdam, was heavily involved in the original scheme. He recalls how the scheme succeeded in attracting a great deal of attention - particularly when it came to publicizing Provo’s aims - but struggled to get off the ground. The police were opposed to Provo’s initiatives and almost as soon as the white bikes were distributed around the city, they removed them. However, for Schimmelpennink and for bike-sharing schemes in general, this was just the beginning. ‘The first Witte Fietsenplan was just a symbolic thing,’ he says. ‘We painted a few bikes white, that was all. Things got more serious when I became a member of the Amsterdam city council two years later.’
 

Paragraph C

Schimmelpennink seized this opportunity to present a more elaborate Witte Fietsenplan to the city council. ‘My idea was that the municipality of Amsterdam would distribute 10,000 white bikes over the city, for everyone to use,’ he explains. ‘I made serious calculations. It turned out that a white bicycle - per person, per kilometer - would cost the municipality only 10% of what it contributed to public transport per person per kilometer.’ Nevertheless, the council unanimously rejected the plan. ‘They said that the bicycle belongs to the past. They saw a glorious future for the car,’ says Schimmelpennink. But he was not in the least discouraged.
 

Paragraph D

Schimmelpennink never stopped believing in bike-sharing, and in the mid-90s, two Danes asked for his help to set up a system in Copenhagen. The result was the world’s first large-scale bike-share program. It worked on a deposit: ‘You dropped a coin in the bike and when you returned it, you got your money back.’ After setting up the Danish system, Schimmelpennink decided to try his luck again in the Netherlands - and this time he succeeded in arousing the interest of the Dutch Ministry of Transport. ‘Times had changed,’ he recalls. ‘People had become more environmentally conscious, and the Danish experiment had proved that bike-sharing was a real possibility.’ A new Witte Fietsenplan was launched in 1999 in Amsterdam. However, riding a white bike was no longer free; it cost one guilder per trip and payment was made with a chip card developed by the Dutch bank Postbank. Schimmelpennink designed conspicuous, sturdy white bikes locked in special racks which could be opened with the chip card - the plan started with 250 bikes, distributed over five stations.
 

Paragraph E

Theo Molenaar, who was a system designer for the project, worked alongside Schimmelpennink. ‘I remember when we were testing the bike racks, he announced that he had already designed better ones. But of course, we had to go through with the ones we had.’ The system, however, was prone to vandalism and theft. ‘After every weekend there would always be a couple of bikes missing,’ Molenaar says. ‘I really have no idea what people did with them because they could instantly be recognized as white bikes.’ But the biggest blow came when Postbank decided to abolish the chip card because it wasn’t profitable. ‘That chip card was pivotal to the system,’ Molenaar says. ‘To continue the project we would have needed to set up another system, but the business partner had lost interest.’
 

Paragraph F

Schimmelpennink was disappointed, but - characteristically - not for long. In 2002 he got a call from the French advertising corporation JC Decaux, who wanted to set up his bike-sharing scheme in Vienna. ‘That went really well. After Vienna, they set up a system in Lyon. Then in 2007, Paris followed. That was a decisive moment in the history of bike-sharing.’ The huge and unexpected success of the Parisian bike-sharing program, which now boasts more than 20,000 bicycles, inspired cities all over the world to set up their own schemes, all modeled on Schimmelpennink’s. ‘It’s wonderful that this happened,’ he says. ‘But financially I didn’t really benefit from it, because I never filed for a patent.’
 

Paragraph G

In Amsterdam today, 38% of all trips are made by bike and, along with Copenhagen, it is regarded as one of the two most cycle-friendly capitals in the world - but the city never got another Witte Fietsenplan. Molenaar believes this may be because everybody in Amsterdam already has a bike. Schimmelpennink, however, cannot see that this changes Amsterdam’s need for a bike-sharing scheme. ‘People who travel on the underground don’t carry their bikes around. But often they need additional transport to reach their final destination.’ Although he thinks it is strange that a city like Amsterdam does not have a successful bike-sharing scheme, he is optimistic about the future. ‘In the 60s we didn’t stand a chance because people were prepared to give their lives to keep cars in the city. But that mentality has totally changed. Today, everybody longs for cities that are not dominated by cars.'

2.

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Question & Answers

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • The Reading Passage has seven paragraphs, A-G.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.

  • Note: You may use any letter more than once.

 

1. a description of how people misused a bike-sharing scheme - ____

2. an explanation of why a proposed bike-sharing scheme was turned down - ____

3. a reference to a person being unable to profit from their work - ____

4. an explanation of the potential savings a bike-sharing scheme would bring - ____

5. a reference to the problems a bike-sharing scheme was intended to solve - ____
 

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)
 

Type of Question: Matching Information
 

These types of questions involve reading the descriptions or statements provided, identifying key details or keywords, and matching them to corresponding information in the passage by comparing and contrasting the options until you find the best fit.
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Skim the Passage: Quickly read through the entire passage to get a general idea of the content and structure.
  • Identify Keywords: Look for keywords or phrases in the questions that are easy to locate in the passage.
  • Scan for Keywords: Scan the paragraphs for the keywords or synonyms and focus on those sections.
  • Read in Detail: Once you find a potential match, read that section carefully to ensure it contains the specific information needed for the question.
  • Check All Options: Make sure to check all relevant paragraphs, as the correct information might be mentioned in more than one place.
     
1. E

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph E, "The system, however, was prone to vandalism and theft. ‘After every weekend there would always be a couple of bikes missing,’ Molenaar says."
 

Explanation: This line indicates that the bike-sharing scheme faced significant issues with misuse. The bikes, which were intended for public use, were frequently stolen or went missing, highlighting a major flaw in the system’s design and public responsibility. The public's misuse undermined the scheme, as they did not return the bikes as intended, leading to the failure of the system due to loss of resources.

 

2. C

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph C, "Nevertheless, the council unanimously rejected the plan. ‘They said that the bicycle belongs to the past.'"
 

Explanation: This line explains that the proposed bike-sharing scheme was turned down by the Amsterdam city council. The council believed that bicycles were outdated and did not see them as a viable solution for modern urban transport. This perspective reflects the broader attitude at the time, which favoured cars and modernity over bicycles, contributing to the rejection of the bike-sharing proposal.
 

3. F

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph F, "But financially, I didn’t really benefit from it, because I never filed for a patent."
 

Explanation: This line indicates that although the bike-sharing concept gained widespread success, the individual who developed it, Schimmelpennink, was unable to profit from his idea. By not filing for a patent, he missed out on the financial benefits that could have come from the global adoption of bike-sharing schemes modelled after his original idea. The reference underscores the lack of financial gain despite his contribution to the success of the concept.

 

4. C

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph C, "It turned out that a white bicycle - per person, per kilometer - would cost the municipality only 10% of what it contributed to public transport per person per kilometer."
 

Explanation: This line highlights the significant cost savings that the bike-sharing scheme could have brought to the municipality. Schimmelpennink calculated that the cost of running a bike-sharing program would be only a fraction of the expenses associated with public transport. This cost-efficiency was a key argument in favor of the scheme, showcasing its potential to reduce municipal spending while providing an environmentally friendly transportation alternative.
 

5. A

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph A, "They believed the scheme, which was known as the Witte Fietsenplan, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism."
 

Explanation: This line describes the motivation behind the original bike-sharing scheme, the Witte Fietsenplan. The group that initiated the scheme aimed to address the growing concerns about air pollution and the negative impacts of consumerism. By offering a communal and eco-friendly transportation option, they hoped to reduce reliance on cars and raise awareness about environmental issues, positioning the scheme as a solution to these broader societal problems.

 

Also Read: Best IELTS Preparation Books & Tips

Questions and Answers 6-7
  • Choose TWO letters, A-E.
  • Write the correct letters in boxes 6 & 7 on your answer sheet.

 

Which TWO of the following statements are made in the text about the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999?

 

A. It was initially opposed by a government department.

B. It failed when a partner in the scheme withdrew support.

C. It aimed to be more successful than the Copenhagen scheme.

D. It was made possible by a change in people’s attitudes.

E. It attracted interest from a range of bike designers.
 

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Answers with Explanations (6-7)
 

Type of Question: Multiple Choice with More Than One Answer 

 

To answer a "Multiple Choice with More Than One Answer" question in IELTS Reading, carefully read each statement and match it with the correct details from the passage to select all relevant options.
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Identify Keywords: Highlight key terms in each statement to focus on relevant details in the passage.
  • Skim for Answers: Quickly locate sections in the passage that correspond to the keywords or statements.
  • Match Information: Compare each statement with the passage to see if it accurately reflects the information provided.
  • Check for Multiple Answers: Ensure all relevant statements are selected as the question may require more than one correct answer.
  • Avoid Over-Reading: Select only the statements that are explicitly supported by the passage to avoid incorrect choices.

 

6. D

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph D, "‘Times had changed,’ he recalls. ‘People had become more environmentally conscious, and the Danish experiment had proved that bike-sharing was a real possibility.’"
 

Explanation: This line explains that the bike-sharing scheme in Amsterdam became feasible because of a shift in public attitudes towards environmental issues. By the mid-1990s, people were more aware of the need for sustainable practices, and the success of a similar scheme in Denmark demonstrated that bike-sharing could work effectively. This change in mindset was crucial for the scheme's relaunch, indicating that public support and environmental consciousness were essential for its implementation.

 

7. B

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph E, "But the biggest blow came when Postbank decided to abolish the chip card because it wasn’t profitable."
 

Explanation: This line reveals that the bike-sharing scheme failed primarily due to the withdrawal of support from a key partner, Postbank. The bank decided to discontinue the chip card system that was integral to the scheme's operation because it did not generate sufficient profit. Without the chip card, the system could not function, leading to the collapse of the bike-sharing program. This underscores the vulnerability of such initiatives to changes in business partnerships and financial viability.

Questions and Answers 8-9
  • Choose TWO letters, A-E.
  • Write the correct letters in boxes 8 & 9 on your answer sheet.

 

Which TWO of the following statements are made in the text about Amsterdam today?

 

A. The majority of residents would like to prevent all cars from entering the city.

B. There is little likelihood of the city having another bike-sharing scheme.

C. More trips in the city are made by bike than by any other form of transport.

D. A bike-sharing scheme would benefit residents who use public transport.

E. The city has a reputation as a place that welcomes cyclists.
 

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Answers with Explanations (8-9)
 

Type of Question: Multiple Choice with More Than One Answer 


To answer a "Multiple Choice with More Than One Answer" question in IELTS Reading, carefully read each statement and match it with the correct details from the passage to select all relevant options.
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Identify Keywords: Highlight key terms in each statement to focus on relevant details in the passage.
  • Skim for Answers: Quickly locate sections in the passage that correspond to the keywords or statements.
  • Match Information: Compare each statement with the passage to see if it accurately reflects the information provided.
  • Check for Multiple Answers: Ensure all relevant statements are selected as the question may require more than one correct answer.
  • Avoid Over-Reading: Select only the statements that are explicitly supported by the passage to avoid incorrect choices.

 

8. D

 

Reference: 


From Paragraph G, "‘People who travel on the underground don’t carry their bikes around. But often they need additional transport to reach their final destination.’"
 

Explanation: This line indicates that a bike-sharing scheme would be particularly beneficial for residents who rely on public transport in Amsterdam. Many people use the underground for part of their journey but may require an additional mode of transport to reach their final destination. A bike-sharing program would provide a convenient and accessible solution for this last leg of their commute, filling a gap in the city's public transportation network.

 

9. E

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph G, "In Amsterdam today, 38% of all trips are made by bike and, along with Copenhagen, it is regarded as one of the two most cycle-friendly capitals in the world."
 

Explanation: This line emphasises Amsterdam's reputation as a highly cycle-friendly city. A significant proportion of daily trips are made by bike, and the city is recognised globally, alongside Copenhagen, as one of the most welcoming environments for cyclists. This status reflects the city's long-standing cycling culture and infrastructure, even though it never reintroduced the Witte Fietsenplan bike-sharing scheme.

 

Also See: IELTS Academic 2024 Reading Resources

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Complete the summary below.
  • Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet.

 

The first urban bike-sharing scheme

 

The first bike-sharing scheme was the idea of the Dutch group Provo. The people who belonged to this group were 10. ______________. They were concerned about damage to the environment and about 11. _________________, and believed that the bike-sharing scheme would draw attention to these issues. As well as painting some bikes white, they handed out 12. ______________ that condemned the use of cars.

However, the scheme was not a great success: almost as quickly as Provo left the bikes around the city, the 13. _______________ took them away. According to Schimmelpennink, the scheme was intended to be symbolic. The idea was to get people thinking about the issues.
 

The Growth of Bike Sharing Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13)
 

Type of Question: Summary Completion 
 

Carefully read the summary and identify keywords, then scan the passage to locate the relevant information, ensuring the words you choose to complete the summary accurately reflect the content and context of the passage.
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Identify Key Information: Focus on understanding the main ideas and essential details of the passage that need to be summarised.
  • Match with Passage: Find phrases or keywords in the passage that align with the summary gaps, ensuring they convey the same meaning.
  • Use Context Clues: Pay attention to the surrounding text in the passage for context, which can help in selecting the appropriate words or phrases.
  • Be Concise: Choose words that are concise and directly relevant to the context, avoiding unnecessary details.
  • Check Grammar: Ensure the completed summary fits grammatically and logically with the rest of the summary text.

 

10. Activist

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph A, "Provo, the organisation that came up with the idea, was a group of Dutch activists who wanted to change society."
 

Explanation: This line identifies the members of Provo as activists who were driven by a desire to reform societal norms. Their motivation to create the bike-sharing scheme stemmed from their broader goals of challenging environmental and consumerist practices, reflecting their activist stance.

 

11. Consumerism

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph A, "They believed the scheme, which was known as the Witte Fietsenplan, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism."
 

Explanation: This line explains that the activists viewed the bike-sharing scheme as a countermeasure against consumerism. They aimed to promote a more communal and sustainable approach to transportation, opposing the consumerist culture associated with car ownership.

 

12. Leaflets

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph A, "They also distributed leaflets describing the dangers of cars and inviting people to use the white bikes."
 

Explanation: This line details the activists' efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of car use by distributing leaflets. These leaflets were part of their campaign to encourage the public to use the shared white bikes instead of personal vehicles, aligning with their environmental and societal goals.

 

13. Police

 

Reference: 
From Paragraph B, "The police were opposed to Provo’s initiatives and almost as soon as the white bikes were distributed around the city, they removed them."
 

Explanation: This line indicates that the police played a role in the scheme's failure by removing the white bikes shortly after they were placed around the city. Their opposition to the initiative effectively sabotaged the activists' efforts, preventing the scheme from gaining traction and achieving its intended impact.

 

Also Read: Vocabulary Words for IELTS 2024

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Q. What should I do if I run out of time?

Ans. If you run out of time, quickly make educated guesses for any remaining questions. It’s better to attempt all questions than to leave any unanswered, as there’s no penalty for incorrect answers. Practising time management strategies can help you avoid running out of time during the actual test.


 

Q. How can I practise effectively for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To practise effectively, use a variety of reading materials and sample test papers. Time yourself to mimic actual test conditions and review your answers to identify and address areas of improvement. Regular practice coupled with analysis of your performance will help enhance your reading skills and test readiness.

Q. Where can I find reliable IELTS Reading practice materials?

Ans. Reliable IELTS Reading practice materials are available in official IELTS preparation books, reputable websites, and educational apps. Many IELTS preparation centres also offer up-to-date practice papers. Ensure that the materials you use are aligned with the current test format for the most effective preparation.