Modelling the impact of weather conditions on active transportation travel behaviour

Three weather sensitive models are used to explore the relationship between weather and home-based work trips within the City of Toronto, focusing on active modes of transportation. The data are restricted to non-captive commuters who have the option of selecting among five basic modes of auto driver, auto passenger, transit, bike and walk. Daily trip rates in various weather conditions are assessed. Overall, the results confirm that impact of weather on active modes of transportation is significant enough to deserve attention at the research, data collection and planning levels.

► This paper examines the influence of weather conditions on walking and cycling modes.
► Younger individuals’ walking/cycling are more negatively affected by cold temperature.
► Wind speed and showers negatively influences cyclists more strongly than pedestrians.
► Females’ tendency to bike is more negatively affected by cold temperatures than males.