Even during the lockdown light in November, German citizens once again significantly reduced their mobility. This is the result of a survey by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) among 1000 representatively selected people between the end of November and the beginning of December. 56 Percent of the participants had covered less or much less distances than usual. In the summer, the rate was 44 percent. About a third of the population stated that they covered as many distances as usual.

The only form of transportation that continues to be used in times of crisis is walking. At the same time, public transport would continue to be used dramatically less, according to the study. The proportion of people who have used public transport much less has increased by a further five percentage points to 37 percent.

More controls “People feel less comfortable on public transport than they do in summer “write the researchers. The discomfort is slightly less than during the first lockdown. Two thirds of the respondents stated that they repeatedly perceive violations of the mask requirement, many would like more stringent controls. In contrast to this, 14 percent of German citizens stated that they drive their car more often or much more often . In the summer it was 14 percent.

In the spring, DLR asked people to assess which means of transport they would use in the future. “The answers very clearly reflect the new behavior developed during the pandemic,” explains Claudia Nobis from the DLR Institute of Transport Research. 18 Percent want to walk more and cycle six percent more, which would also benefit the climate . Nine percent are flirting with getting into the car more often. 19 Percent said they wanted to use local public transport less often.

Christmas at home, shopping on the internet 80 Percent of respondents said Not wanting to travel over the Christmas holidays. 8 percent were planning a trip, 5 percent were unsure at the time of the survey. 6 percent did not yet know where to spend Christmas regardless of the corona pandemic. “If all the undecided stay at home, the travel volume will drop by 60 percent compared to previous years”, estimates Nobis.

The proportion of people who have bought products on the Internet since the first lockdown in spring has continued to rise. 50 Percent said they had ordered one to three times online in the past four weeks. 36 percent do that weekly. 14 percent did not do any online shopping. At the same time, the number of respondents who feel uncomfortable shopping in stores has increased since the summer. The Internet was also more important than in the previous year when it came to buying Christmas presents: 37 percent stated that they mostly buy their presents online. In the previous year it was 22 percent.

Working at home The proportion of people working in the home office has increased again slightly: 40 Percent of the participants work partly or permanently at home. This trend also appears to be increasing in more rural regions; in cities, people generally work more from home. In the summer around 75 percent rated this option as positive, now it is 66 Percent.

Even when doing leisure activities, many people said they felt uncomfortable due to the risk of infection. This is especially true when meeting friends, relatives or acquaintances. Due to the lockdown 37 percent had not undertaken any leisure activities outside. 63 Percent got out at least once – often for a walk or outdoor sports.

(anw)