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The effect of environmental factors on bicycle commuters in Vermont: influences of a northern climate

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  • Spencer, Phoebe
  • Watts, Richard
  • Vivanco, Luis
  • Flynn, Brian

Abstract

Bicycle commuters in many areas of the world face challenges inherent in combining non-motorized transportation and car-centric roadways. Commuters in northern Vermont face the added challenge of a northern climate that makes cycling a largely seasonal activity. Cyclists continue to face transport limitations, especially when overcoming climatic conditions. This study focused on major concerns for cyclists in Vermont with the goal of identifying and understanding specific barriers that can be overcome through policy, behavioral, and infrastructural changes. We examined issues surrounding bicycle commuting in Vermont through in-depth content analysis of transcripts from focus groups and individual interviews. Precipitation, cold temperatures, inclement road conditions, limited daylight hours, and wind were identified as uncontrollable deterrents to bicycling year-round, which have put the metaphorical brakes on many potential cycling trips. The treatment of these issues was found to be unique to individual cyclists based on their perceptions of the effects of subtle differences in climatic conditions on personal comfort and safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Spencer, Phoebe & Watts, Richard & Vivanco, Luis & Flynn, Brian, 2013. "The effect of environmental factors on bicycle commuters in Vermont: influences of a northern climate," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 11-17.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:31:y:2013:i:c:p:11-17
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2013.05.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Lundberg, Benjamin & Weber, Joe, 2014. "Non-motorized transport and university populations: an analysis of connectivity and network perceptions," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 165-178.
    6. Wang, Hwachyi & De Backer, Hans & Lauwers, Dirk & Chang, S.K.Jason, 2019. "A spatio-temporal mapping to assess bicycle collision risks on high-risk areas (Bridges) - A case study from Taipei (Taiwan)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 94-109.
    7. Senes, Giulio & Rovelli, Roberto & Bertoni, Danilo & Arata, Laura & Fumagalli, Natalia & Toccolini, Alessandro, 2017. "Factors influencing greenways use: Definition of a method for estimation in the Italian context," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 175-187.
    8. 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).
    9. Loidl, Martin & Traun, Christoph & Wallentin, Gudrun, 2016. "Spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of urban bicycle crashes—A case study from Salzburg (Austria)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 38-50.
    10. Li, Qiumeng & Fuerst, Franz & Luca, Davide, 2023. "Do shared E-bikes reduce urban carbon emissions?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120310, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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