The effect of weather and climate on bicycle commuting

Abstract

This study presents data on the effect of both (short-term) weather conditions and (long-term) seasonal variation patterns on bicycle commuting patterns among several groups of tertiary students in the temperate climate of Melbourne, Australia. It questions some assumptions which have suggested that certain conditions are perceived by riders to make commuter cycling non-viable, and thus lead to a significant drop in numbers on days or periods when these conditions persist. While the data indicate that the assumptions have a foundation, the effects on the group surveyed are not as powerful as assumed. However, as students are an atypical group in several significant aspects, the results should only be transferred to non-student groups with some caution.