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As awareness of environmental issues and sustainable mobility grows, bicycles - especially e-bikes - are becoming increasingly important. In many cities around the world, it is clear that transport is hardly sustainable without the active integration of bicycles and e-bikes.
Von Fabian Huber |
4 minutes read time
Various studies, such as those by Statista and other market research institutes , underpin this development and show how important it is to consider bicycles and e-bikes as an integral part of the transport mix.
The trend towards active mobility is unstoppable. More and more people are consciously choosing to travel by bike or on foot. This is not only environmentally friendly, but also good for your health. A study by Statista shows that the proportion of cyclists in European cities has been increasing continuously since 2020. This development is favored by numerous factors: rising fuel prices, growing environmental awareness and the increasing attractiveness of bicycles and e-bikes thanks to technical innovations.
A study conducted by the European Environment Agency also highlights the importance of bicycles for sustainable mobility in cities. It shows that cyclists not only take up less space than car drivers, but also leave a significantly smaller ecological footprint. As a result, more and more cities around the world are calling for the expansion of bicycle infrastructure.
E-bikes in particular are making a significant contribution to the continued momentum of the bicycle boom. They offer an ideal solution for people who travel longer distances, live in hilly areas or simply want a little assistance when cycling. Studies from Germany and the Netherlands show that e-bikes not only reduce traffic congestion, but also lead to people doing without their cars more often.
According to Statista, in 2023 the bicycle industry recorded e-bike sales of over 2 million units in Germany alone. This is a significant increase compared to previous years and shows that the e-bike is no longer a niche product. The e-bike offers many advantages, especially for commuters who cycle to work: It shortens the travel time, ensures that you arrive without breaking a sweat, and makes even longer distances or climbs easy to manage.
A key advantage of integrating bicycles and e-bikes into the traffic mix is the relief of the urban infrastructure. Cars not only require a lot of space on the road, but also when parking. Bicycles, on the other hand, require hardly any space and help to ease the traffic situation by causing fewer traffic jams. According to a study by the ADAC, an increase in the share of bicycle traffic by 10% could lead to a reduction in traffic jams by up to 30% in urban areas.
At the same time, bicycles and e-bikes have no negative impact on air quality. While cars are a major source of CO₂ emissions and particulate matter pollution in urban areas, bicycles help reduce these pollutants. Cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam are already showing that high bicycle usage can lead to a significant improvement in air quality.
In order for e-bikes and bicycles to play an even greater role in the transport mix, cities must continue to adapt their infrastructure. Studies by the OECD and the EU Commission have shown that promoting active mobility can play a crucial role in reducing CO₂ emissions and improving the quality of life in cities. To achieve this, the expansion of safe cycle paths is just as necessary as the provision of parking facilities and charging stations for e-bikes.
Many cities already have approaches to promote cycling. One example is the establishment of "green waves" for bicycles, where the traffic lights are set so that cyclists always have a green light on a certain route at a constant speed. In addition, many cities are restricting car traffic in certain zones to make more space for bicycles. These measures show how cities are increasingly opening up to sustainable mobility and how bicycles and e-bikes can help meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The social change towards greater use of bicycles is closely linked to the desire for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. More and more people are realizing that by choosing a bicycle they are not only doing something for their health, but can also make an active contribution to climate protection. Studies by the Fraunhofer Institute show that people who regularly cycle have a significantly lower carbon footprint than car drivers. This is especially true for commuters who travel short distances of up to 10 kilometers - distances that can often be covered more quickly and efficiently by bike.
Developments in recent years show that bicycles, and e-bikes in particular, are playing an increasingly important role in the transport mix. They are not only an environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport, but also a decisive factor in relieving the burden on our cities. Expanding bicycle infrastructure, promoting e-bikes and raising awareness of the benefits of active mobility are crucial to overcoming the challenges of urban mobility.
So the next time you think about how you will get to work, go shopping or do leisure activities, remember: By bike or e-bike you will not only get there faster and with less stress, but you will also be actively contributing to making our cities more livable. The future of mobility is active - and the bike plays a central role in this.