Obviously not a popular mode of transportation in that weather - probably the only person outside is the photographer! The unusual light really worked in your favour. Should make a great large print.
Yeah- I would say that in that weather, seek alternate transportation. I was one of a few people out, but far from the only person out on the street that evening. This was only at around 7pm.
Yes of course I'm using a tripod. My hands aren't THAT steady to pull off this kind of sharpness at between 4-16 seconds. I took the big rig out with me for these shots - an Induro 3-series carbon fiber tripod with a Manfrotto ball head and Rolleifix quick-release plate attached.