Essen, often coined the Energy Capital of Germany, has also been hitting its marks in sustainable mobility, which has emerged as an active sector of Essen’s environment and waste management industry. Recognizing the region’s heavy reliance on cars, Essen is harnessing the potential for substantial CO2 emission reductions through a comprehensive transport transition. By 2035, the city aims to achieve an ambitious modal split: 25% of transport users will travel by bicycle, 25% by public transport, 25% on foot, and 25% by car.
Essen has long promoting sustainable mobility, beginning with an extensive network of cycle paths, bike- and car-sharing stations, and later including a growing number of electric vehicle charging stations. The city’s well-developed public transport system offers residents a plenty of alternatives to private car usage. Notably, Essen’s cyclists can utilize the Ruhr Bike Expressway RS1, Germany’s first fast cycle path. This cycleway connects various tourist attractions and runs along a disused railway line, extending westward to the neighboring city of Mülheim an der Ruhr. Once completed, RS1 will cover 101 kilometers, linking ten cities across the Ruhr metropolitan area from Duisburg to Hamm. The cycle highway is anticipated to eliminate 52,000 car journeys per day, saving an estimated 16,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
With a population of 590,000 residents, 140,000 commuters, and an increasing number of visitors, Essen has been proactive in finding multifaceted solutions to enhance sustainable transport. In 2017, the city launched two mobility stations, serving as central hubs that connect local public transport with other options such as car-sharing, taxis, and rental bicycles. These stations boast the lowest exhaust gas emissions in the Ruhr Region. Essen also introduced the “Essen Mobil” app, which provides users with intermodal navigation, and the “GreenTicket,” a subsidized monthly ticket that includes discounts for car and bike sharing.