In many places, public transport has recorded a drop in passenger numbers of over 90 percent. Of course, in this context, many people use their bikes to avoid the potential risk of infection in public transport. One or the other could also think about leaving the car at home when the weather is good. However, as the ADAC reports on the basis of a study, the "corona effect" is minimal.
Only 8 percent pedal more often
By the end of March, the General German Automobile Club eV had asked 2.145 people about their use of bicycles. Around 33 percent of the study participants stated that they did not use their bicycles anyway. And certainly not for the way to work or errands. After all, 35 percent use the bicycle to the same extent as before the Corona crisis. A total of 22 percent even stated that they pedaled less frequently or not at all. The proportion of respondents who use the bike more frequently than before during the Corona crisis is only 8 percent. Corona is currently no reason for a significant increase in cycling in Germany.
Possible reasons for the result
The result is surprising at first glance. After all, a look at the street shows that fewer cars and apparently more cyclists are on the road. The background to the figures is that many people are currently working from home and other routes (kindergarten, school, fitness studio, etc.) are currently no longer covered by bike because these facilities are closed. The bicycle is also less relevant for shopping than assumed. After all, most people only go to the supermarket 1-2 times a week. Another explanation for these numbers could be the clientele surveyed by the ADAC.
Bicycle use could increase significantly after the crisis
However, light at the end of the tunnel promises the end of the Corona crisis. Based on the surveys, the study assumes that bicycle use will also increase for reasons of infection control. A good 60 percent of those surveyed assume that their use of bicycles will level off at the same level. All the more gratifying that 21 percent want to switch to the bike more often than before. Compared to all other modes of transport that could be selected in the course of the survey, this is by far the highest increase.