Designing the first Dutch cycle street in Austria

Cycle street: A greener street with mixed traffic

Argentinierstraße is located on one of the most important cycle routes in Vienna (Austria), connecting the central station with the city centre. The problem, however, is that the bi-directional cycle track in this street is currently much too narrow for the 6,000 cyclists who use it every day.

In addition, the area is not very attractive for pedestrians and residents. In conversations with and research among residents of Argentinierstraße and the surrounding area, people had expressed their desire for a greener street with mixed traffic. And so it was determined that Mobilitätsagentur Vienna, Vienna’s Mobility Agency, would look to create a new cycle street.

Cycle streets, where cycling is the primary mobility mode, can be found all over the Netherlands. But how do you implement a Dutch cycle street in an Austrian context?

Enhancing road safety

By working closely with all stakeholders, including municipal departments for greenery, urban planning, and utilities, we have created a design, with Rosinak & Partner, that retains the strengths of a Dutch cycle street which can be realised in Austria.

The current road layout will be completely redesigned with a reduction in car traffic as a starting point. Car traffic is reduced, based on our advice, through measures at the network level. Following the Dutch model, the cycle street will be paved with red-coloured asphalt where cyclists and cars will share the road.

The current cycle track will make way for wide pavements and more greenery. The improved visibility of intersections and the clear division between pavements for pedestrians and the cycle/car lane will enhance road safety and make the street more comfortable and attractive for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Improved living environment

The residents had already expressed their preference for more greenery, safety, space, and less traffic in this area. These aspects have been addressed in the new design, resulting in an integrated plan in which both residents and designers had their say.

The result will be a road environment where vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians are given priority, and the living environment will significantly improve. Once finished, it will be the first Dutch cycle street in Austria.