Cycling is already an alternative for many Salzburg residents on their daily commute. But only if the right infrastructure is available. “In order to further increase the share of bicycle traffic in the modal split and to achieve the target of 13 percent, we need to continue to intensively expand our cycle paths. More than six million euros are available for this this year. In addition to major bike projects, we are also closing important gaps in the existing system,” says Transport Minister Stefan Schnöll.
Schnöll wants a user-friendly route network
“An attractive and user-friendly route network helps more people to do without their cars for short journeys,” says Provincial Councilor Stefan Schnöll. After all, around 50 percent of all journeys are currently shorter than five kilometers. “Anyone who gets out of the car and gets on their bike relieves the burden on the streets, residents and the environment. In addition, every kilometer promotes health,” Schnöll is convinced.
State of Salzburg / Neumayr/Probst
LR Stefan Schnöll visits the new bike path in Ebenau with Mayor Johannes Fürstaller. In the picture: Felix and Johanna Ebner, Mayor Johannes Fürstaller, Ebenau, with LR Stefan Schnöll, Monika Klement with daughter Franziska and Viktoria (on the bike). (ARCHIVE IMAGE)
15 new cycle paths planned this year
Around 15 projects to create new cycle path connections will be implemented this year. “As a state, we will build a good ten kilometers of new cycle paths this year. This makes the connections more and more interesting for both commuters and leisure users. The bike is also becoming an alternative for commuting to work thanks to direct connections. All in all, the right mobility mix is needed to get everyone to their destination as quickly as possible. The bike is often the feeder to the bus or train,” says Provincial Councilor Schnöll.
The largest projects in 2022 at a glance
- Greedy: Pflegerbrücke, costs 1,000,000 euros: In the north of the municipality of Grödig, the Pflegerbrücke will be widened so that in future there will also be a footpath and cycle path on the west side directly along the L104 from the Pflegerbrücke inn towards the town center. The existing cycle path connection will be widened and the gap on the Grödig state road will be closed with the expansion. The construction project includes around 300 meters of cycle path.
- Hof: Nesselgraben, costs: 1,200,000 euros: From the B158 in the direction of Ebenau, a pedestrian and cycle path is being built along the L107 in the Hof municipal area, which will be completed by the middle of the year. The two-way footpath and cycle path is intended to make it easier to reach the Eggerwirt bus stop, where the buses run at least every half hour. So far, cyclists have had to ride in mixed traffic in this open-air area. The first part of the gap closure to Ebenau will be built over a length of more than 1.3 kilometers.
- Abtenau: Schöner, costs: 500,000 euros: Over the next few years, work will continue on the connection from Scheffau to Abtenau. The Schöner pedestrian and cycle path is being built, including a crossing aid and a new bus stop, and represents the first section of the continuous connection over a distance of almost one kilometer.
- City of Salzburg: Munich federal highway: As part of the expansion of the Munich federal highway north of the Mitte distribution round in the direction of Freilassing, a footpath and cycle path will be built on both sides of the B150. This gap closure, which will be built on both sides of the four-lane road, will be a great gain for both the comfort and safety of cyclists in this area. The expansion is carried out with the financial participation of the city of Salzburg.
State supports community initiatives
In addition to expanding the state’s own infrastructure, the state supports the communities in many areas in order to jointly create attractive cycle path connections and general conditions and to get people away from their cars and onto their bikes for their daily travel. “A transfer is only possible if it is also attractive,” says Provincial Councilor Stefan Schnöll: “There is still great potential for cross-community connections. Many municipalities have already recognized this and are investing in an attractive route network. The state supports this with the creation of the concept and the new funding,” says Schnöll.
Projects for more attractive cycling
The initiatives include projects such as Salzburg Radelt, free e-bike courses or free bicycle advice for communities. In addition, last year a separate subsidy was set up to provide financial support for cycle path improvements on municipal roads.
(Source: SALZBURG24)
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