The majority of Germans support climate protection but also prioritize convenience in mobility, according to a survey by the ADAC. While progress is being made in transitioning to climate-friendly modes of transport, the use of public transport, trains, and bicycles only saw slight increases, with cars remaining the most popular means of transportation. Similar to previous surveys, most participants are against measures that make driving more expensive or restrict it. This sentiment is shared across generations, including young adults.
The survey found that 64% of the 2,000 respondents used a car as a driver for at least 100 days a year, a decrease of 2 percentage points compared to a 2017 survey. On the other hand, 26% used public transport for at least 100 days a year, an increase of 2 percentage points. The use of trains increased by 4 percentage points to 10%, while bicycles saw a 6 percentage point increase to 28%. Looking into the future, only 11% expected to use the car more often in five years, while 17% expected less use. For local transport, 21% expected more frequent use and only 9% expected less frequent use. The expectations for train and bicycle use were similar, with 17% to 9% and 20% to 5% respectively.
Those who anticipated using cars less in the future cited reasons such as high costs, their age, and concern for climate and environmental protection. Conversely, convenience, family situation, and a change of residence were the most common reasons for expecting increased car use. Car owners were unlikely to give up their vehicles, with only 5% stating they probably wouldn’t have a car in five years, compared to 85% who would likely stick with their cars. The main reasons for sticking with cars were independence, convenience, speed, and reliability.
The majority of respondents rejected restrictions aimed at reducing car traffic, such as higher fuel taxes, the abolition of commuter allowances, a freeze on road network expansion, or the scarcity and increased cost of parking spaces in cities. However, most supported stricter emissions standards and investments in local transport expansion, as well as charging infrastructure for alternative fuels and electric cars.
ADAC Transport President Gerhard Hillebrand explained that while the majority of people are willing to change their mobility behavior for the sake of climate protection, they do not want to sacrifice convenience. Therefore, it is important to continue developing alternative transportation options despite the restrictions, and make them affordable.
