Pitane Image

Opting for a bicycle and public transport does not only save the Flemish people financially, but also offers other advantages.

Two thirds of Flemish people drive less by car as a result of rising fuel prices and the energy crisis. As an alternative, Flemings opt more for the bicycle (56%) and more for other means of transport such as public transport (20%). 24% of Flemish people travel less. This is apparent from a large citizen survey that Fietsberaad Vlaanderen conducted last summer among a representative panel of more than 3.000 Flemish people.

“These figures make it clear that rising fuel and energy prices determine the mobility behavior of the Fleming. At such times, the bicycle is a cheap and logical alternative, but public transport can also play a key role in this. At the same time, as a government, we must be vigilant that transport poverty does not grow during this crisis period," says Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works. Lydia Peeters.

“We keep a finger on the pulse with Fietsberaad Vlaanderen every two years with a citizen survey. This time we wanted to map the impact of the energy crisis on the mobility behavior of the Flemings, and that behavior is clearly changing," said Minister Peeters.

25% of Flemish people drive “certainly less” by car, another 42% do so “rather less”. Of these two groups together, 56% say they exchange their car for a bicycle more often, 24% make fewer trips and 20% switch to other modes of transport, such as public transport.

“Choosing the bicycle and public transport does not only save the Flemish people financially, but also offers other advantages. Just think of the climate”, explains Flemish minister Peeters.

Read also  Road safety: money tap open for safer roads

Quality cycling infrastructure more important than ever

With these figures it is becoming increasingly clear that safe cycling infrastructure will be urgently needed. Flanders is already fully committed to cycling and will continue to do so.

During this legislature, we will invest more than 1 billion euros in cycling infrastructure and that is starting to translate into visible improvements in the field. People will opt for the bicycle and stay on that bicycle if it can be done in a safe and comfortable way.” Public transport can also offer a sustainable alternative for Minister Peeters. “The momentum is there to switch to convincing sustainable alternatives.”

Related articles:
Calendar pack
Print Friendly, PDF & Email