New cycle path on Alsergrund: safety and comfort for all cyclists!

New cycle path on Alsergrund: safety and comfort for all cyclists!

A lot has happened on the cycle path front on Alsergrund. With the construction of a new, structurally separate cycle path at the intersection of Währinger Belt and Borschkegasse, a large gap in the cycle network was closed. This cycle path improves the connection between the General Hospital (AKH) and the existing cycle paths and is aimed directly at AKH employees, patients and visitors. District chief Saya Ahmad emphasizes the importance of safe and comfortable cycling routes. “It’s about increasing safety and quality of life for cyclists,” says Ahmad. The new cycle path will not only offer wider paths, but will also have a new traffic light and 14 additional parking spaces for bicycles in Borschkegasse. These measures are part of an ongoing cycle path offensive in the district, emphasizes a report from the Wiener Bezirksblatt.

However, the cycle path offensive is not limited to this section. Further connections are planned along Fuchsthallergasse and Alserbachstrasse, which will connect the belt with the Danube Canal. The market hall is also being built diligently, and the first sections of the new high-class cycle path on Alserbachstrasse are already visible. This will also create new seating options and drinking fountains, which will increase the value of the area. More than 50 new trees and permeable paving will further enrich the cityscape, as Fahrrad Wien reports.

Redesign and improve infrastructure

Another interesting aspect of the cycle path offensive on Alsergrund is the planned redesign of Julius-Tandler-Platz and Simon-Denk-Gasse. These areas are to be enhanced with additional green spaces and light-colored paving, which is an improvement not only for cyclists, but also for pedestrians. The infrastructural improvements also include new parking areas at traffic lights to optimize the connection between the one-way cycle paths and the belt cycle path.

A mixed walking and cycling path on Spittelauer Lände as well as optimized cycle paths on Josef-Holaubek-Platz and in Glatzgasse to Lichtenwerder Platz should have a positive effect on the connection of the AKH to the cycle path network. By closing the last gaps in the continuous wheel axis, the traffic situation in the district will be significantly improved. According to the Mobility Forum, cycling is increasingly seen as a central component of the sustainable transport transition, as well-developed cycling infrastructure both increases traffic safety and can support tourism.

Financing and political commitment

In the political discussion it is clear: the federal government has recognized the importance of cycling and is now increasingly promoting cycling infrastructure through the special “City and Country” program. The financing challenges that previously hampered expansion appear to have come to an end. The quality of the measures has high priority in order to encourage as many people as possible, especially children and older people, to cycle, according to the statements from the documentation on the promotion of cycling.

The changes to Alsergrund are not only a benefit for cyclists, but also contribute to a general improvement in the quality of life in the city. Because as we know: a bike-friendly city is good for everyone!