Bicyclists Outpace Cars in Downtown, Says New Study

A new study of how people are using the French bikesharing system in Lyon provides ample data for American planners hoping implementing similar systems, and reveals that bicycles are faster and more effective than cars in dowtown commutes.

1 minute read

December 2, 2010, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

M.I.T.'s technology blog takes a look at the French study,which comes to some interesting conclusions:

"Some of what they found is unsurprising. Over an average trip, cyclists travel 2.49 km in 14.7 minutes so their average speed is about 10 km/h. That compares well with the average car speed in inner cities across Europe.

During the rush hour, however, the average speed rises to almost 15 km/h, a speed which outstrips the average car speed. And that's not including the time it takes to find a place to park which is much easier for a Velo'v bike than a car.

Other results reveal the habits of the urban cyclist for the first time."

Thanks to Sarah Goodyear at Grist.

Thanks to Steven Godfrey

FULL STORY: Cyclists Pedal Faster On Wednesdays, Reveals Smart Bike Data

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 in Technology Review

Transportation North America Transportation Bicycle Planning Sustainability Planning

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