Study on inner city mobility and attractiveness

The first results of a new study on "inner city mobility and attractiveness" in Erlangen are now available. The study was carried out by the municipal statistics office in cooperation with the Working Group of Bicycle-Friendly Communities in Bavaria (AGFK Bayern) and the Institute of Sociology at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. The aim of the study was to gain a comprehensive picture of how the people of Erlangen reach their city center, which means of transport they use and how they rate the quality of stay, consumer offers and the parking situation.

The study is based on three online surveys. In a representative survey with a random sample, 4,000 Erlangen residents were contacted (when?). A total of 1,437 people took part, which corresponds to a response rate of 36.8 percent. In addition, an open online survey was conducted from November 2025 to January 2026, in which 2,986 people took part, including 1,812 from Erlangen. In addition, a total of 101 city center businesses were surveyed online in February to March 2026.

Positive accessibility of the city center on foot and by bike

A key finding of the study is the great importance of bicycles for getting to the city center. It is the most frequently used means of transport across all age groups. The reported reasons for using bicycles include time, flexibility, cost, environmental and health aspects. The accessibility of the city center on foot and by bike is also predominantly rated positively by the respondents, while accessibility by car is more often rated critically. Overall, time is the most important factor when choosing a means of transportation. At the same time, it can be seen that car drivers on average spend slightly more money on their city center visits than cyclists, but are also slightly older on average.

When asked about their wishes for improvements to mobility in Erlangen, respondents primarily mentioned cheaper prices for local public transport, the further expansion of the cycle path network and the closing of existing gaps, as well as safe cycle paths separated from car traffic. The desire for additional parking spaces, on the other hand, played a much smaller role.

Nürnberger Straße (Photo: Press office rh)

Shopping and spending time rated differently depending on age

The city center is primarily used as a place for shopping and everyday life. The most important reasons for a visit include shopping for clothes, food or drugstore items, commuting to work, school or university and eating out. The gastronomic offer is predominantly rated positively by all age groups, especially by people under 30. The shopping facilities and the design of the public space with squares, green areas and seating are also rated as attractive more often by younger respondents than older ones. Another important reason for shopping in the city center is to support local, owner-managed stores. Compared to online retail, many respondents see advantages above all in the direct experience of the products, for example by trying them on or receiving personal advice.

Making use of vacancies

The question of the desired use of vacancies in the city center reveals different perspectives. Citizens would primarily like to see them converted into living space, places to meet without the pressure to consume or free exercise opportunities, as well as educational opportunities such as courses or workshops. Business owners, on the other hand, are more often in favor of use by retailers or restaurants, sometimes in the form of pop-up stores or cultural offerings.

A differentiated picture also emerges when it comes to the organization of parking. The establishment of delivery zones for safe loading and unloading meets with broad approval, both among residents and businesses. The shared use of parking spaces by residents with a parking permit and visitors with a parking ticket is also viewed positively by many respondents. On the other hand, the reduction in the maximum paid parking time from the current three hours to two hours, which applies during the pilot project at Bohlenplatz, was viewed more critically.

Overall, the results show that Erlangen's city center is used intensively. For many people, it is an important place to shop and spend time. At the same time, many citizens would like to see more quality of life, additional meeting places and a diverse mix of uses.

The study provides important information for the future development of the city center. This includes mobility that strengthens cycling, walking and local public transport. At the same time, the city center should also remain easily accessible for people who are dependent on a car. It is also important to continue to closely involve local retailers.