Line graph: Share of daily journeys by transport mode

The line graph compares the share of daily journeys made by car, bicycle and public transport in a European city from 1980 to 2020.

Overall, the car lost its dominance as cycling became far more popular, while public transport remained fairly stable. By 2020 the bicycle had overtaken both of the other modes.

Car use fell consistently throughout the period. It accounted for 62% of journeys in 1980 and 58% in 1990, before dropping more quickly to 48% in 2000 and 36% in 2010. By 2020 it had declined further to just 25%. The bicycle showed the opposite trend. Beginning at only 8% in 1980, it rose to 18% in 2000 and 28% in 2010, and continued to grow to reach 38% in 2020, the highest figure of the three modes.

Public transport was the steadiest category. It held at 30% in both 1980 and 1990, then edged up to 34% in 2000 and 36% in 2010. After that it levelled off, standing at 37% in both 2015 and 2020. Public transport drew level with the car at 36% in 2010 and then overtook it.