Young people in Germany still consider cars as the optimal mode of transportation, according to a recent study by McKinsey. However, the bicycle boom during the Covid-19 pandemic is declining. The HUK Coburg Mobility Study, conducted by YouGov with 4,042 Germans, shows a different result, indicating that there has been no significant change in the transportation revolution in Germany. HUK Coburg conducts an annual mobility study at the beginning of each year. In the current study, nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents stated that they believe that cars will continue to meet their mobility needs optimally, despite climate change. This is an increase of five percent compared to the previous year. Interestingly, the youngest survey participants aged 16 to 24 share this opinion more often than average (74%).
In terms of the popularity of different modes of transportation, cycling and walking are still the most popular, with 23% of respondents preferring walking and 19% choosing cycling. Public transportation follows with 15% for trains, 11% for buses, and 10% for trams and S-Bahn. These preferences are largely consistent with previous years. However, there is a decline in the popularity of walking and cycling compared to the first survey in the Covid-19 year 2021.
The main concerns of many survey participants (38%) revolve around rising mobility costs. In addition, one-third of respondents are skeptical about the political focus on electric vehicles and criticize an excessive focus on battery-powered propulsion systems compared to alternatives such as hydrogen propulsion or so-called e-fuels. One-fifth feel there is excessive government intervention, while an equal proportion is convinced that environmental protection is being neglected. In light of the sharp increase in energy prices, almost two-thirds of participants believe that adjustments in transportation planning and policy are necessary. 63% agree that existing mobility plans need to be reconsidered. However, YouGov did not ask any questions about what kind of changes these should or could be.
