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Car usage declines as cycling gains popularity in Cologne
Cologne has reported on the effectiveness of mobility initiatives, stressing that they are gaining momentum.
City authorities headed by Mayor of Cologne Henriette Reker reminded that data was gathered through surveys in October and November last year, with more than 6,000 households taking part.
Survey results show that residents use their cars for 25% of all trips, down from roughly 35% in 2017 and 43% in 2006.
At the same time, walking is up approximately 7 percentage points compared to 2017 and stands at 33%. Cycling is also up 7 percentage points and has reached 25%.
Use of public transport dropped approximately 4 percentage points and stands at 17%, with city authorities noting that use was likely lower due to face mask mandates still in force at the end of 2022.
Councillor for mobility Ascan Egerer pointed out that mobility in Cologne is becoming more sustainable and added that mobility initiatives are effective.
He announced plans to develop infrastructure for cycling and walking to support the trend and meet the rising demand for such development projects.
Cologne authorities noted that the share of pedestrian traffic was highest in city centre (38%) and added that mobility behaviour varies significantly between districts.
Average travel distance dropped from 3.6 kilometres in 2017 to 3.2, while average daily travel distance dropped from 32 kilometres to 30.
(Photo credit: David Toman / Unsplash)
