Men typically have more unrestricted mobility compared to women
In early 2025, the Ministry of Transport in Baden-Württemberg commissioned a study entitled 'Equality in Mobility' to examine differences in mobility behavior between men and women. The study, conducted by the Family Research Institute BW and published by the Statistical Office of the State of Baden-Württemberg, has now been published and can be accessed via an external link (PDF).
The study reveals that women's mobility is less free than men's due to complex route chains, more accompaniment of others, and a lack of support for alternative routes. State Secretary Elke Zimmer states that aspects such as mobility for the family, safety, and differently risky behavior of the sexes in road traffic need more attention, particularly for mobility in the dark.
Minister Winfried Hermann comments that the study highlights significant differences in mobility needs and patterns between men and women, and politics needs to address these issues. Unsafety in public space is unacceptable, according to Minister Hermann, and it should not be considered normal for a 16-year-old girl to only leave the house in the evening if a parent can pick her up later.
The study covers aspects of traffic, pedestrian traffic, bicycle traffic, car traffic, public transport, and equality. In city and mobility planning, the gender perspective should be actively included from the start to ensure smooth, barrier-free, flexible, quickly accessible, reliable, and affordable transportation. Barrier-free and family-friendly parking spaces also contribute to fairer participation of women in public spaces.
Men are the primary cause of traffic accidents due to risky behavior, driving three times faster than the speed limit and five times more frequently under the influence of alcohol. Awareness campaigns, stricter control, and penalties are being considered to ensure road safety, with a focus on young men in 2026 as part of the 'Vision Zero' campaign. Improved lighting and visibility, such as pruning hedges, can help counteract the feeling of danger in public spaces.
The findings of the study may contribute to the development of a nationwide equality strategy. The Ministry of Transport in Baden-Württemberg has a press office and a citizen's representative for contact purposes. For more information, please visit the external links provided for the press office and citizen's representative.
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