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Cycling mode choice amongst US commuters: The role of climate and topography

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  • Justin Tyndall

Abstract

Cycling to work is uncommon in most areas of the USA but relatively common in a particular set of metros and neighbourhoods. Explanations for this spatial heterogeneity often focus on differences in local geography, with some areas being allegedly more suitable for cycling. I estimate the role of topography and climate in determining the share of a metro’s workers who cycle to work and the probability a particular worker chooses to cycle. I combine a USA-wide data set of commute flows with detailed elevation and climate data. I find that climate and topography play essentially no role in explaining cycling mode share across metros. Across workers, the hilliness of a commuter’s route is found to be statistically irrelevant to cycling mode choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Justin Tyndall, 2022. "Cycling mode choice amongst US commuters: The role of climate and topography," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 59(1), pages 97-119, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:59:y:2022:i:1:p:97-119
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098020957583
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ansgar Hudde, 2024. "Have cycling-friendly cities achieved cycling equity? Analyses of the educational gradient in cycling in Dutch and German cities," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(1), pages 78-94, January.
    2. Hudde, Ansgar, 2023. "Have Cycling-Friendly Cities Achieved Cycling Equity? Analyses of the Educational Gradient in Cycling in Dutch and German Cities," SocArXiv 7c6d2, Center for Open Science.
    3. Tyndall, Justin, 2022. "Complementarity of dockless mircomobility and rail transit," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    4. Hudde, Ansgar, 2023. "It's the mobility culture, stupid! Winter conditions strongly reduce bicycle usage in German cities, but not in Dutch ones," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).

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