The 1990 Census indicates that less than one percent of all work trips in Onondaga County were made by bicycle. This is influenced by several factors. First, these numbers may not take into account people who utilize bikes as less then a primary transportation mode. Secondly, weather has always been a good justification. Long, snowy and frigid winters along with wet springs can be truly inhibiting to cycling, though a few crazy souls bike through it all.
Safety is another factor.
The bicyclist is not only exposed to the elements but vulnerable to injury. Tire eating sewer grates, crazy drivers, jarring potholes, shoulder debris and complicated intersections can make the bicycle commute considerably more dangerous then other transportation modes. Syracuse, like many American cities, has an infrastructure that promotes motor vehicle usage at the expense of alternative modes. Bike lanes, paths and racks are almost nonexistent. It should be noted, however, that all roads, with the exception of limited access highways are and should be designed for bicycles.