In this study the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) data of the Dutch National Travel Survey (NTS) and the results of a survey in Zoetermeer are analysed. During the last 15 years the mobility has been increased, especially the mobility by car use. This also explains the increasing averaged distances per day. A stabilisation of the mobility can be seen during the last 5 years. The car, used as driver or passenger, is the most important transport mode. The bicycle is the second mode. In the highest age group the share of pedestrian trips is higher. Most trips are made for shopping and visiting. Most time is spent for visiting, but leisure activities too are time consuming. Shopping is most done during the morning, and visits to friends or relatives are made in the late afternoon. Getting older the share of people with physical impairments increases and the mobility decreases. Further analysis shows that worse health conditions and financial conditions seem to explain why people are getting less mobile. The survey in Zoetermeer affirms this. The car also seems to be a means to avoid the problems with social insecurity, especially during the evening. (A)
Abstract