The Impact of Weather Conditions on Mode Choice: Empirical Evidence for the Netherlands

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of weather co nditions on individuals’ mode choice decisions. The major contribution of this study is that it uses micro level data from 1996 on transport behavior and weather conditions covering the entire Netherlands. Moreover, weather conditions are measured on an hourly basis. We use a multinomial logit model which allows for an accurate investigation of the e ffect of weather conditions on mode choice decisions. In (extremely) low temperatures, people switch from biking to car and public transport, whereas people prefer walking and biking as temperatures increase. Strong wind negatively influence the use of the bic ycle, while precipitation also causes a reduction of the biking trips and raise in the car trips.