AA

Bike Path in Linz Bus Terminal Causes Confusion

Der Radweg im Linzer Busterminal sorgt für Verwunderung.
Der Radweg im Linzer Busterminal sorgt für Verwunderung. ©APA/KERSTIN SCHELLER
In Linz, the completely renovated bus terminal under the State Service Center has been in operation since Monday - however, the guidance of the bike paths is causing some confusion.

Red-marked multi-purpose lanes run between the bus and car lanes in the middle of the roadway before they end abruptly. The cycling lobby sees the solution as "well-intentioned, but not well implemented."

Spokesperson of the Linz Cycling Lobby does not want to criticize the solution

Nevertheless, Thomas Hofer, spokesperson of the Linz Cycling Lobby, does not want to criticize the solution: They always insist on these red multi-purpose lanes, which give cyclists their own space, make them more visible, and are safer for them. This is exactly what was done here - albeit in an area where cyclists probably do not feel very comfortable - as shown in a report by the "Krone" (Tuesday edition), in which passersby rather expressed their astonishment. An APA on-site inspection on Wednesday afternoon shows: Only a few cars drive through the bus station, most drivers seem somewhat unsure of which lane they should be on. Cyclists are also rare.

The Linz bus terminal is located at ground level under the State Service Center, but cyclists can also use a parallel above-ground bike path along the building in the fresh air - and they take this route much more frequently than the one through the bus terminal underpass. However, some do not miss the opportunity, which repeatedly led to dangerous situations, as shown by a fatal accident several years ago. This is likely the reason for the peculiar solution - following the motto: If people are going to ride anyway, then it should at least be safer for them.

Linz bus terminal was renovated for five months

The bus terminal was modernized over five months at a cost of around seven million euros. Not only was the red multi-purpose lane added, but the area is now also brighter, more accessible, there is a security service, and the waiting shelters are more modern - notably, the backrests of the benches divide them into several segments and can no longer serve as a lying surface. The old shelters had been partially occupied by homeless people. The KPÖ sees this as an attempt to drive homeless people out of public spaces and calls for a station mission.

As for the cycling infrastructure, the next step is to renovate the bicycle cellar. Maintenance and upkeep, which were previously in the hands of the city, will be taken over by Schiene OÖ, which also operates the bus terminal. A new access system is planned for the bicycle garage, allowing only authorized users to enter.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.

  • VOL.AT
  • Vienna English News
  • Bike Path in Linz Bus Terminal Causes Confusion