Europe motorists urged to drive slower or ride a bike to cut Russia oil imports

Europe’s largest motoring association ADAC has called on its members to save fuel and take the bicycle wherever possible to help reduce the reliance on Russian oil imports.

In an open letter posted on its website, ADAC president Christian Reinicke emphasised that everyone can do their part to reduce energy imports from Russia quickly.

He proposed driving slower and with more foresight to lower fuel use. “At the same time, we ask you to check whether and which car journeys you might be able to do without,” writes Reinicke.

Those with good access to public transport should make more use of it. “Some routes can also be covered by bicycle or on foot,” he wrote. The letter kickstarts a new ADAC campaign on saving fuel during the energy crisis brought on by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The European Union member states are considering options to cut the imports of Russian oil as part of a next round of sanctions against the country that invaded the Ukraine on 24 February.

Many countries on the continent are heavily dependent on Russian energy imports, including Germany. However, the German government is ready to back a ban on Russian oil if it happens gradually, reported Bloomberg.

Nearly one in four new cars sold in western Europe in the March quarter were plug in electrics, with around 12 per cent full electric cars.

Clean Energy Wire. Republished with permission.