Russia’s war against Ukraine led to a sharp increase in fuel prices. The mobility organization VCÖ analyzed the potential in Styria to reduce fuel costs by reducing the number of short car journeys. The savings potential is great.
Four out of ten car journeys are shorter than five kilometers
More than 500,000 car journeys are shorter than one kilometer per week, more than four million shorter than five kilometers, more than one and a half million car journeys are shorter than two and a half kilometers and therefore within cycling distance, the VCÖ informed in a broadcast. Four out of ten car journeys by Styrians are shorter than five kilometers. The mobility organization VCÖ pointed out that the proportion of short car journeys is six and a half times as high as the proportion of car journeys over 50 kilometers.
In order to be able to determine personal savings potential, the VCÖ recommends keeping a mobility diary for a few weeks. The distances traveled daily are noted in this, including the number of kilometers and the purpose. “In view of the sharp rise in fuel prices caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, it pays off to cover short distances on foot or by bike as often as possible,” emphasized VCÖ expert Michael Schwendinger. According to the VCÖ, fuel consumption is particularly high on short journeys. On average, a car uses around three times as much fuel for the first kilometer as on average.
75 percent own a bicycle
According to the Austrian Traffic Club, the prerequisites for more frequent switching from car to bicycle in Styria are good: According to Statistics Austria, 75 percent of households in Styria have at least one functional bicycle. In regions with more inclines, the increasingly popular electric bicycles could be an alternative to the car and the expansion of the cycle path network is continuously improving the possibility of using the bicycle as a means of transport, according to the VCÖ experts.
The additional benefit from a health perspective: lack of exercise is an increasing problem. Anyone who walks or cycles their daily journeys as often as possible gets a regular portion of healthy exercise, reminds the VCÖ. Burning calories instead of oil increases fitness and is also an active way of protecting the climate, recommends the Verkehrsclub Österreich.
Better cycling options strengthen town centers
“Municipalities and cities are well advised to further improve the conditions for cycling for the population. Because where more everyday journeys are made by bike, more people shop in the village and thus the local supply is strengthened and the town centers are enlivened”, emphasized VCÖ expert Schwendinger. Anyone who sees a specific need for improvement in terms of cycle paths or bicycle parking spaces in their place of residence should contact the municipality directly, because only known defects can also be remedied.
Firms and companies can also make a major contribution through corporate mobility management so that more employees cycle to work. At this year’s VCÖ mobility prize Styria, which is carried out by the VCÖ in cooperation with the state of Styria and the ÖBB, projects and concepts are also sought that make it easier for the population to cover short distances on foot or by bike.