Abstract
In Switzerland, strict measures as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic were imposed on March 16, 2020, before being gradually relaxed from May 11 onwards. We report the impact of these measures on mobility behaviour based on a GPS tracking panel of 1439 Swiss residents. The participants were also exposed to online questionnaires. The impact of both the lockdown and the relaxation of the measures up until the middle of August 2020 are presented. Reductions of around 60% in the average daily distance were observed, with decreases of over 90% for public transport. Cycling increased in mode share drastically. Behavioural shifts can even be observed in response to the announcement of the measures and relaxation, a week before they came in to place. Long-term implications for policy are discussed, in particular the increased preference for cycling as a result of the pandemic.
Highlights
The sudden onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 dramati cally altered the rhythms of daily life around the world
We report the impact of these measures on mobility behaviour based on a GPS tracking panel of 1439 Swiss residents
Reductions of around 60% in the average daily distance were observed, with decreases of over 90% for public transport
Summary
The sudden onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 dramati cally altered the rhythms of daily life around the world. Within the space of a few weeks, borders were closed, lockdowns imposed and local economies brought to a stand-still in the attempt to contain the spread of the virus. Children had their first experience of remote learning. After decades of unfulfilled predictions of the move towards teleworking, firms were forced to make the shift almost over night. Those under lockdown orders were generally only allowed outside for shopping and small amounts of exercise.
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