Some 21% of drivers actively trying to use their car less for environmental reasons, according to new Aviva research
Regular journeys too long, weather and safety concerns are the main reasons preventing people from doing so
28 August 2024, Dublin: More than 1 in 5 (21%) motorists say that they are actively trying to use their car less for environmental reasons, while 1 in 10 (10%) adults don’t have a car for the same reason. However, some 28% of drivers claimed that they won’t change their driving habits for the environment. These are some of the key findings of new research carried out amongst 1,000 consumers, 879 of whom were motorists on behalf of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva).
Delving further into the findings of the research, 21% of respondents claimed that they are actively trying to reduce car usage for environmental reasons, with a further 18% saying they would like to do so but, as a rural dweller, they are restricted in their ability to do so. Some 14% said that they plan to walk more, 13% have begun to take public transport, and 5% plan to cycle more. A further 12% claimed that they are trying to use their car less but not really for environmental reasons.
The Aviva survey found that:
- Of the motorists actively trying to use their cars less for environmental reasons, the majority (23%) were in the 55+ age cohort, followed by 25-34-year-olds at 20%.
- Of those respondents who said they plan to take public transport more often, the majority were men at 14% (women: 9%) and aged over 55 (16%).
- Some 29% of men responding (women: 22%) claimed that they would not change their driving habits for environmental reasons, with the highest percentage aged 35-44 at 30%.
- Some 20% of 18-24-year-olds said they don’t have a car for environmental reasons, slightly higher for women at 10% (men: 9%).
It is great to see that 21% of motorists are looking to actively use their cars less for environmental reasons. Not only are these people doing their bit for the environment, but some of them are also likely to reap the benefits of getting fitter and healthier, while saving on the costs of motoring. Speculation on the likely cost cutting measures that will be delivered in Budget 2025 on 1 October includes a further 20% cut in public transport fares, which could encourage more motorists to leave their cars at home.
Alan Behan, Motor Product Manager, Aviva said
Use of bicycles or electric bikes
The survey sought to understand what prevents motorists from using a bicycle or electric bike instead of the car for regular journeys, with the top reason amongst 44% of respondents that their regular journeys are too long. Other reasons given by 37% of those surveyed was due to the weather and, and safety concerns (36%). Not having a bicycle or electric bike was the reason given by 22%, having to transport young children (16%), not being fit enough (11%) or due to an injury or disability (8%). Some 6% of respondents simply don’t want to cycle and a further 6% cannot do so.
- More men (40%) than women at 33% are prevented from using a bicycle or e-bike due to the weather, highest amongst those aged 25-34 years.
- Safety concerns was slightly higher for women at 37% than men at 35% and those aged 55+ at 42%.
- Women respondents were less likely to have a bicycle or e-bike (37%) than men at 26% and this was highest amongst those aged 18-24 at 37%.
Alan Behan continued: “Living in rural areas where there are less public transport options is likely to be the biggest deterrent for motorists who simply don’t have the option to consider abandoning their cars or using them less. Most respondents who don’t use either a bicycle or e-bike more often cited that their regular journeys are too long, weather conditions or safety concerns. The most recent statistics from the gardai show that, as at mid-August, seven cyclists and three drivers/passengers of e-scooters were killed on our roads this year, underlying why people might have safety concerns for doing so.
“Cyclists and those using e-bikes should ensure that they always wear high visibility clothing and signal clearly in plenty of time to other road users when taking a turn. It is also important that they protect themselves by wearing a helmet as they are vulnerable road users in that they don’t have the same protection as motorists do,” concluded Alan Behan.