Vienna cycle path offensive: Outer Mariahilfer Straße shines again!

Vienna cycle path offensive: Outer Mariahilfer Straße shines again!

In Vienna, a lot is happening on the Outer Mariahilfer Straße: The first section between Clementinengasse and the Belt is now completed. With a total length of 640 meters, this conversion is an essential part of the city's extensive cycle path offensive. It's not just the new, structurally separated, two-way cycle path that makes cyclists happy, the green areas and wider sidewalks with seating also bring a significantly better quality of life to the district. According to meinkreis.at, a total of 18 new trees were planted and the green area was expanded by an impressive 830 square meters.

Another highlight of the redesign is Palmgasse, which is now open to bicycle traffic in a traffic-calmed manner. Cozy seating areas and refreshing water features invite you to linger here. Thanks to the level adjustment between the road and the sidewalk, crossing becomes child's play for pedestrians. The trams also retain their tracks, while the road out of town remains one-way. The entire concept was largely shaped by the wishes and ideas of citizens who wanted more greenery, lounges and better cycling infrastructure.

A win for everyone

Vienna's deputy mayor, Sima, speaks of great progress in the city's cycle path situation. Around 20 kilometers of new cycle paths are created every year to accommodate the increasing number of cyclists. In 2023, a new record was reported with almost 12 million cyclists counted. The proportion of cycling traffic is now 11 percent and has therefore clearly become more important.

The overall redesign of the 1.9 kilometer long Outer Mariahilfer Straße will continue with the planned second section from Clementinengasse to Anschützgasse in the autumn. The program includes 45 new trees and 1,300 square meters of additional green space. A new, 750 meter long, wide cycle path will also ensure even more safety and comfort. The project is complemented by fog steles, drinking hydrants and two new water features that provide cooling in the cityscape.

Part of the cycle path offensive

This conversion is not just a local showcase project, but part of Vienna's comprehensive cycle path offensive, which has initiated over 250 projects since 2020. In total, the city invested around 130 million euros in improving the cycling infrastructure. Further examples of this are Praterstrasse, Wagramer Strasse and Donaustadtstrasse, where new cycle paths and numerous trees were also planted. The city's goal is also evident here: a balanced solution for all citizens, which is intended to create more space in public spaces, an improvement in the quality of life and, above all, a green, cooling environment.

With the measures to redesign Outer Mariahilfer Straße and other projects, Vienna is continuously working to become climate neutral by 2040 and to make it even more pleasant for citizens to move around city life. The idea is clear: less asphalt, more green – a real win for everyone!