Automated bicycle renting systems have seen tremendous growth over the last few years, with manycities implementing systems. Washington, DC, has one of the largest systems of bikesharing in the USand recently made all their usage data publically available for analysis. One issue with promotingbicycling as a reliable alternative mode of travel is the impact of unfavorable weather conditions onusage. In theory, usage can be affected by colder weather, precipitation, and excessive heat. The researchpresented 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 tohourly usage data and statistical models linking both number of users and duration of use are estimated.Further, we evaluate trips from bikeshare stations within one quarter mile of Metro (subway) stations attimes when Metro is operating. This allows us to determine whether Metro serves as a back-up optionwhen weather conditions are unfavorable for bicycling. Results show that cold temperatures, rain, andhigh humidity levels reduce both the likelihood of using bikeshare and the duration of trips. Trips takenfrom bikeshare stations proximate to Metro stations are affected more by rain than trips not proximate toMetro stations and less likely when it is dark. This information is useful for understanding bicyclingbehavior and also for those planning bikeshare systems in other cities.
展开▼
