Understanding barriers and drivers of active and micromobility to reduce car dependency in Switzerland

Abstract

The abstract to this poster is published in Transportation Research Procedia 92, pp. 9-10, available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2025.12.066The transport sector is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions, with private combustion engine cars being a leading source. While vehicle electrification is crucial, it alone will not be able to mitigate the congestion challenges associated with expected population growth without compromising quality of life. This study explores the potential of active and micro-mobility to replace car trips and reduce energy consumption. In Switzerland, where many short-distance trips are still made by car, active and micro-mobility offer significant substitution potential. We assess their role both as stand-alone modes and as facilitators of intermodal mobility solutions. Previous research has predominantly focused on urban populations already inclined towards active and micro-mobility. In contrast, this study concentrates on high car users to identify critical barriers to active and micro-mobility adoption from their perspective. Key factors examined include comfort, perceived safety, time efficiency, cost, ease of use, and other psychological factors. Additionally, we assess the impact of socio-demographic, behavioural, and cultural factors on the adoption of active and micro-mobility. A large-scale survey of over 1,000 car-oriented participants will capture different perspectives on the drivers and barriers of active and micro-mobility. Multivariate statistical methods, such as regression analysis, will be used to examine the relationships between user attitudes and characteristics and the adoption of active and micro-mobility modes. This paper will present preliminary results from this survey, highlighting key psychological and socio-demographic barriers to adoption. These findings aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the barriers car users face in adopting active and micro-mobility, and to support decision makers and service providers in developing user-centred solutions tailored to this group. This research supports Switzerland's transition to low-carbon, sustainable mobility, providing both environmental and social benefits to the country's evolving mobility landscape