Too many bike racks in Währing? Parking spaces are becoming rare!

Too many bike racks in Währing? Parking spaces are becoming rare!

In Währing, the high density of bicycle racks at the Herbeckstrasse/Alseggerstrasse intersection is causing a stir. A critical posting by a resident sparked a lively discussion on social media. The user complains that three wheel stand batteries have already been installed at this point and that more have been set up in the nearby area. Many users agree and point out that the wheel bars are hardly used and at the same time valuable parking spaces for cars are lost. This development is causing frustration, especially in a district that already has problems finding parking spaces.

The responsible municipal department MA 46 pointed out the increasing bicycle traffic in Vienna in a statement. According to their data, 11% of Viennese could already use a bicycle in everyday life by 2024. The numerous bicycle racks are not placed without reason: they serve as parking spaces, especially near schools such as the elementary school on Bischof-Faber-Platz, and are also intended to keep the view of pedestrians clear on protective paths in order to increase traffic safety. But the balance between cycling and parking space will remain an issue, even if the use of bike racks does not justify installing more.

Growth of the cycling infrastructure in Vienna

In 2023, the city of Vienna launched an ambitious project to improve the cycling infrastructure. In a comprehensive review, 53 new projects are named, many of which have already been completed. A total of 20 kilometers of new cycling infrastructure was created, resulting in investments of almost 35 million euros. Mobility City Councilor Ulli Sima emphasizes that this commitment to the cycle path network is essential and that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Some projects have already been structurally completed, while others are just waiting for the final marking, which will be realized with the warmer temperatures next year.

The focus of these efforts is on important projects such as the mega cycle highway in Praterstrasse and Aspernbrückengasse as well as a new cycle route in Pfeilgasse. In the Danube city and in Favoriten, too, the focus is on safety and the structural separation of the cycle paths in order to make both cycling and driving harmonious.

Statistics and developments in cycling

The cycling network in Vienna now covers almost 1,789 kilometers. This broad network includes cycle paths, mixed walking and cycle paths and numerous other facilities that make cycling in the city easier. This also includes the opening of one-way streets for cyclists, which is made possible over approximately 366 kilometers. With around 67,000 public bicycle parking spaces, Vienna is ideally prepared for the increasing demand for bicycle options.

The developments in cycling infrastructure show that Vienna is well on the way to promoting cycling while at the same time not losing sight of the needs of drivers. But the challenges, such as the heated debate about the bicycle bars in Währing, show that close coordination and respectful dialogue between road users are absolutely necessary in order to create harmonious coexistence on the streets in the growing city.

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