The majority of the people in Bavaria – namely 65 percent – get on their bikes at least once a month. And there is room for improvement: In the future, 50 percent of people in the Free State between 14 and 69 years of age wanted to use the bicycle more often, the Bavarian Ministry of Transport recently announced. The Free State of Bavaria is thus above the overall German average of 40 percent. The figures were provided by the Fahrrad-Monitor 2021.
There is huge potential in cycling, said Transport Minister Kerstin Schreyer (CSU). She therefore wants to continue investing in the cycling infrastructure. More cycling means more climate protection and thus added value for people, the minister said. The corona pandemic also contributed to people walking or cycling more. In June 2021, 26 percent of those surveyed said they cycle more often than before the pandemic.
The safety for cyclists in Bavaria also seems to be right: 70 percent felt very safe or mostly safe in traffic, nationwide it was 63 percent. According to Fahrrad-Monitor, 62 percent want more cycle paths, 58 percent want cyclists to be better separated from their cars, 48 percent more protective and cycle lanes, 48 percent safe bicycle parking facilities and 44 percent more cycle streets. The bicycle is mainly used for shopping and short errands (61 percent), for trips to school, university or training center (53 percent) and for visiting friends, family or acquaintances (42 percent).
According to the ministry, the Free State will provide a total of 200 million euros for the cycling infrastructure from 2020 to 2024. The “Bicycle Monitor” is collected every two years. To this end, the Sinus Institute surveyed citizens between 14 and 69 years of age on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport as part of a representative online study.