Getting Out of the Car and Into the City: How Wheels Are Being Replaced by Bicycles & Bus Stops
Imagine a future where your commute’s made of bikes, buses, and strides instead of petrol and steering wheels. That future could arrive in the next decade, thanks to a recent mobility research study that’s shaking up the streets of the world’s biggest cities.
What the Numbers Say
- Private car trips are set to fall 10 % by 2030.
- Cars will then make up less than half of all city journeys.
- Public transport, walking, and cycling will step up their game, together capturing about 49 % of all trips.
- Nearly 70 % of the global population is expected to be city‑bound by 2050.
The Study Behind the Shift
The Mobility Futures report sprang from surveys of over 200,000 city dwellers across 31 cities—from New York to Nairobi. According to these respondents, the trend away from cars is driven by:
- Rapid expansion of bike‑sharing schemes and electric micro‑mobility.
- Urban authorities’ “street‑sharing” initiatives that give more room for non‑cars.
- A generational pivot—young people are ready to ditch the car in favour of greener rides.
What City Leaders Should Do
Mr. Rolf Kullen from Kantar’s research arm summed it up: “It’s a job for every mayor, for every city government to do something.”
And he knows why—cities no longer belong to transportation infrastructure alone. They belong to the people who walk, bike, and ride along them.
Transport champion Yoann Le Petit added a note of caution: “We’re seeing this trend, but we shouldn’t just sit back. The alternatives to cars need to be zero‑emission, shared, and appealing.”
Strategies for a Greener Streetscape
- Invest in digital payments for hailing bikes and buses.
- Scale sharing schemes that make travel cheaper and greener.
- Boost public transport accessibility and reliability.
- Create bike lanes and pedestrian zones that protect and encourage non‑motorised travel.
The Positive Outlook
About 40 % of people worldwide are open to new travel modes, according to the study—just enough to tip the city streets in favour of sustainability.
With a clearer emphasis on people—rather than cars—our streets can become less congested, cleaner, and a little bit more fun. The change is already happening, but the momentum won’t last forever without bold, decisive action.
So let’s all grab a bike, hop on a bus, or just walk—because the future is bright for those who dare to take a step, a pedal, or a ride away from the car.
