Vaccinations and tests make it possible: returning to the office. But how do you get there? On trains, buses and trains, people are often crowded together. Keeping your distance or ventilating is often not possible. In bad autumn weather, cycling is not an alternative for everyone either. So is there only the car left?
At least it is and remains the favorite of the Germans. This is the result of a Yougov survey commissioned by the insurer HUK-Coburg. The car meets the requirements of almost three quarters of those surveyed as a means of transport. Local public transport ended up in the back seats after walking and cycling. 15 percent of those surveyed named the train, eleven percent of the tram and ten percent of the bus as the most suitable means of transport. The reason for this is also the corona crisis. 27 percent of those surveyed have changed their attitudes when choosing the means of transport – because of experiences they had during the pandemic.
This is also shown by a survey conducted by the ADAC in November 2020. Half of the respondents stated that they rate the risk of infection with the coronavirus in buses and trains as high. It’s not surprising. For months there have been repeated warnings to stay away from small rooms with many people – because of the aerosols. If the crowd on buses and trains is too much for you, you now often go to work by bike.
The bicycle became increasingly popular in the corona pandemic. According to the two-wheel industry association, 4.3 million two-wheelers were sold in 2019, and the five million mark was cracked in 2020. An unpredictable problem lurks, however: the weather. The bicycle is still cheaper than the car, but according to the two-wheel industry association, the average price for a bicycle has risen – mainly because of the more expensive e-bikes. Growing sharing offers cushion this, however.
Probably not more people will drive to work than already. There are alternatives that can protect against infection. And by the way, one of them doesn’t cost any money at all: take the route on foot. The most natural way of getting around is safer than cycling and more environmentally friendly than driving. Everyday annoyances such as traffic jams, delays or train cancellations can literally be avoided – as long as the distance to the workplace allows it.