There has been a lot written on the possibilities for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications as an alternative to physical mobility. In particular, the possibility of reducing car use, and thus contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution and traffic congestion is appealing. In a literature study, a number of expectations, and several quantitative estimates are described. In several publications the image of a strong reduction effect on mobility is more carefully balanced, because there is attention paid to new mobility that may arise, and limitations to the use of ICT applications. The GfK market research company has investigated the mobility patterns of a group of 424 intensive users of ICT applications at home. The mobility pattern of this `guide group' can give an indication of the future mobility effects. The research shows that the group under investigation has a mobility pattern that is very similar to that of other Dutch people with the same background characteristics. (A)
Abstract