What the Blue Dots on Vienna's Mariahilfer Straße Mean

The extension of the U2 line impacts Vienna's Mariahilfer Straße. At Zollergasse, the pedestrian zone of the "Mahü" is partially limited in use. Cyclists are to use the marked lane on the narrowed section. The walking area on the country's largest shopping street will be marked with pedestrian pictograms, explained City Councilor for Transport Ulli Sima (SPÖ).

No Cycling Ban Planned on Vienna's Mariahilfer Straße

It is also noted that slow riding is required in the section. For example, a 5 km/h sign is part of the campaign. However, walking speed is generally prescribed throughout the pedestrian zone. However, not everyone always adheres to it, it was noted today. The marking of the bottleneck is now a step to improve the situation and generate awareness, it was said.

Cycling is also allowed in the pedestrian zone and not only in the areas designed as shared spaces on the "Mahü". In a survey following the - much-discussed - redesign of the street about ten years ago, the majority of residents supported it. "Cyclists are only guests here," Sima noted today.

She expressed confidence that the new legal situation will also ease the situation. Currently, e-mopeds are still allowed to speed through the pedestrian zone. However, this will change in the fall of next year due to the amendment of the Road Traffic Act (StVO). A general ban on bicycles on Mariahilfer Straße is "off the table" for Sima. NEOS mobility spokesperson Angelika Pipal-Leixner also made it clear: "A cycling ban on Mariahilfer Straße is not an option for us."

Mariahilfer Straße: Districts Satisfied with Measure

Recently, it was reported that the 6th district wishes to examine such a measure. The deputy district leader of Mariahilf, Julia Lessacher (SPÖ), stated today that they primarily requested to consider how compliance with the rules could be ensured. If the goal can be achieved with the measure now implemented, she would be "super happy".

Her colleague from the neighboring district Neubau, district leader Markus Reiter (Greens), affirmed that the separation of pedestrians and cyclists is only temporary - and that they will also work with the police to monitor compliance with the applicable regulations. The redesign of the "Mahü" is certainly a success, he assured. The number of pedestrians has increased by 30 percent.

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(APA/Red)

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