3.053 million cyclists were registered in the first half of 2024 at five of Graz’s 20 bicycle traffic counting stations, according to an analysis by the VCÖ. That is 172,000 more than in the same period last year. The Kepler Bridge tops the list with 826,000 cyclists, followed by the Augarten with 727,000, the Stadtpark/Glacis with 715,000, the Bertha von Suttner Bridge with 519,000 and Körösistraße (where, however, due to a technical failure in June, only the counts from January to May with 267,000 cyclists were taken into account). The increase at the Glacis is particularly noteworthy, where the number of cyclists rose by an impressive twelve percent.
“If you build cycle paths, you will reap bicycle traffic,” says Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner (Greens) about this development. The continuous expansion of the cycling infrastructure has made it possible to attract new target groups to cycling. “The positive figures confirm our work and show that our efforts and ambitions are worthwhile,” says Schwentner.
A month ago, the rebuilt Neutorgasse was opened with a cycle path, and the small Neutorgasse was turned into a cycle street. It was also announced that Gaswerkstrasse in Eggenberg would be turned into a cycle street. The gap in the important ring road around Graz’s city centre is currently being closed at Joanneumring.
Over the last ten years, the proportion of bicycle traffic in Graz has steadily increased. However, there is still potential for further increases, especially for car journeys that are shorter than six kilometres and could ideally be covered by bicycle, according to the Schwentner office.
More about cycling in Graz
