(Gemini Audio)

(de-news.net) – The Federal Ministry of Transport has published the findings of the 2023 ‘Mobility in Germany’ study, the most extensive survey ever conducted on everyday mobility in the country. Between May 2023 and June 2024, more than 218,000 households and approximately 421,000 individuals from over 1,000 municipalities took part. The results serve as a reference point for both national and regional transport planning, offering policymakers and local administrations a detailed basis for future decisions.

The report highlights that electric vehicles have now become firmly integrated into daily mobility. Their usage patterns are increasingly indistinguishable from those of conventional cars, with annual mileage averaging 14,600 km—slightly above the overall fleet average. This marks a significant shift compared to earlier surveys, when electric cars were primarily used for short distances. In parallel, ownership of pedelecs has nearly tripled since 2017, extending average cycling distances to 14 km per day and broadening the reach of bicycle transport.

Despite a modest decline in car use compared to 2017, the automobile remains the dominant mode of travel. It accounts for 53 percent of all trips and 73 percent of kilometers covered, underscoring its continued indispensability, particularly in rural regions where alternatives remain limited. Public transport, however, has shown strong recovery from pandemic-related declines. The Deutschlandticket has played a central role in this resurgence, being widely adopted in metropolitan areas and increasingly used not only for commuting but also for leisure activities.

The study further reveals that walking has gained notable importance in everyday mobility. Journeys on foot now represent 26 percent of all trips, approaching the level of cycling. The rise in cycling mileage is largely attributed to the expanding fleet of e-bikes, which enable longer and more frequent journeys. 113 million passenger-kilometers are traveled on foot every day. Walking is thus catching up with cycling. 117 million kilometers are cycled daily.

According to the Ministry, the survey provides essential insights into the mobility needs of different population groups. These findings are expected to guide the development of transport systems that are both sustainable and attractive, ensuring that future mobility solutions respond effectively to the evolving demands of society.