Functions of Bicycle Mobile Applications in the Aspect of Local and Regional Tourism and Recreational Policy – Amistad Case Study

Abstract

Purpose. Identification of the functions performed by bicycle mobile applications for individual groups of recipients (stakeholders).Purpose. Identification of the functions performed by bicycle mobile applications for individual groups of recipients (stakeholders).Method. The article is based on the analysis of scientific literature on the subject, enriched by Internet sources, a case study and a comparative analysis of Amistad’s bicycle mobile applications, being their leading producer on the Polish market. Analysis has been carried out based on data from Google Play and App Store platforms, as well as information from the company’s website, observation of activities in the field of B2A2C marketing of this company, as well as a diagnostic survey and unstructured interviews with its head director.Results. A model of functions regarding cycling mobile applications for individual stakeholders and their typification was formulated. The reasons for the limited effectiveness of the interface and business functions of cycling mobile applications are their limited popularity caused by variation in the attractiveness of combining functions, the frequency of updates and the effectiveness of the application promotion system. The most important functions of bicycle mobile applications are related to the mechanisms of accelerating interaction and information flow: social and gamification features related to bicycle navigation.Research and conclusions limitations. Local governments and non-governmental organisations were not examined from the point of view of their perception concerning the functions of cycling mobile applications and effectiveness in their implementation.Practical implications. They refer to the process of designing bicycle mobile applications and creating shared value with their use. They can also contribute to increasing the rationality of public (social) spending allocated to the procurement of mobile applications.Originality. So far, no other in-depth studies on bicycle applications of Polish developers have been conducted.Type of paper. An article presenting the results of literature and empirical research.