The Impact of Weather Conditions on Capital Bikeshare Trips

Automated bicycle renting systems have seen tremendous growth over the last few years, with many cities implementing systems. Washington, DC, has one of the largest systems of bikesharing in the US and recently made all their usage data publically available for analysis. One issue with promoting bicycling as a reliable alternative mode of travel is the impact of unfavorable weather conditions on usage. In theory, usage can be affected by colder weather, precipitation, and excessive heat. The research presented here analyzes the effect of weather on the use of the Washington, DC, bikeshare system. Hourly weather data, including temperature, rainfall, snow, wind, fog, and humidity levels are linked to hourly usage data and statistical models linking both number of users and duration of use are estimated. Further, the authors evaluate trips from bikeshare stations within one quarter mile of Metro (subway) stations at times when Metro is operating. This allows them to determine whether Metro serves as a back-up option when weather conditions are unfavorable for bicycling. Results show that cold temperatures, rain, and high humidity levels reduce both the likelihood of using bikeshare and the duration of trips. Trips taken from bikeshare stations proximate to Metro stations are affected more by rain than trips not proximate to Metro stations and less likely when it is dark. This information is useful for understanding bicycling behavior and also for those planning bikeshare systems in other cities.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Bibliography; Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: 25p
  • Monograph Title: TRB 92nd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01472457
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: 13-0563
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Feb 19 2013 8:46AM