Vienna delays safety fixes as Ring cycle path awaits redesign

Vienna’s Ring cycle path will be completely redesigned by 2030, but the city plans no structural safety measures before then, ORF reports. The cycling lobby is calling for immediate action at dangerous points, particularly at intersections.

The Ring cycle path is one of the city’s most heavily used cycling routes, with about 1.5 million cyclists using it each year. Its current condition has raised safety concerns, including at the intersection near the Burgtheater, where 13 accidents have occurred over the past three years.

The intersection with Johannesgasse also needs improvement, according to the cycling lobby. Cycling and car traffic must be clearly separated, said Valentin Eisendle, a spokesperson for the group. The traffic light currently stands in the middle of the route, he said, calling for it to be moved and for a safer crossing to be built.

Redesign to begin in October

The current Ring cycle path dates from the 1980s. Water pipes are still being replaced at Schottenring, after which work on the first redesigned section is scheduled to begin in October. The section will run from the quay to the University of Vienna.

The first stage will create 900 square metres of green space, add 12 trees and provide about 60 new seats. Further sections are planned through 2030.

The cycling lobby supports the redesign but is urging the city to make temporary improvements at dangerous points. Even relatively modest spending could make the problem areas safer, Eisendle said.

The group also expects cycling on the Ring to increase during the months-long closure of the S-Bahn main line. Vienna’s mobility agency said the University, Park, Schubert and Stubenring sections would be redesigned from 2027, followed by the remaining sections. The complete project is planned to be finished during the current legislative period.