KPÖ urges Grossarl residents to seek reopening of blocked cycle path

The KPÖ is urging residents of Grossarl to apply for the reopening of a blocked walking and cycling path, ORF reports. The party plans to distribute information explaining how residents can submit an administrative application for a public right of way.

According to the KPÖ, the application can be filed with the municipality or the mayor, acting as the road authority. Under Section 40 of the Salzburg State Roads Act, this could initiate proceedings to establish a public right of way on a private road.

The party says two conditions must be met: the path must have been used for at least 20 years, and there must be an “urgent transport need”. This means the path must be the most direct and safest route, according to the KPÖ.

The KPÖ has prepared 500 letters for households in Grossarl, which are due to be delivered on Thursday. The letters also state that an administrative application could avoid a civil lawsuit.

The application is free and can be submitted informally by letter or email, the party says. Applicants would also be granted party status in the proceedings.

Landowners blocked the roughly 500-metre section along the Grossarler Ache in the Schied district in mid-August. Pedestrians and cyclists must therefore use the state road, which is considered dangerous.

The closure affects, among others, people travelling from Grossarl towards St Johann in Pongau. The municipality says it wants to find a solution for the section as quickly as possible.