Image: bike lobby
The local recreation zone on the Danube beach in Alturfahr means that there are many pedestrians in this area. There are also cyclists and – only in the morning hours – motorists. On working days from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. you can use Obere Donaustraße as an alternative route to the traffic jam on Rudolfstraße, turn off the B 127 and roll along the Danube towards the Nibelungen Bridge. The otherwise closed barriers over the Mühlkreisbahn are open during these hours.
But that poses a safety risk for cyclists. At least that’s how Gerhard Fischer, chairman of the cycling lobby in Upper Austria, sees it. In an interview with the OÖN, he pleads for a zipper system for drivers and cyclists, for which, however, the drivers of motorized vehicles would have to be slowed down. This could happen through a restricted area or through speed bumps. A grinding lane should be available for cyclists, demands Fischer.
“Quirky” right of way rule
During an action this morning, the bizarre situation was pointed out that car traffic has priority over cyclists when entering the R1 Danube Cycle Path. At 4.5 meters, the driveway is too wide and many motor vehicles are traveling too fast in the intersection area, concludes Fischer from his experience. In addition, the cyclists would be overtaken too closely on the Obere Donaustrasse. The minimum overtaking distance of 1.5 meters in urban areas and at least two meters outside of it, which is applicable according to the road traffic regulations, is far too rarely observed. That’s why the cycling lobby wants to raise awareness with its actions this week, like today in Alturfahr.
The Linz traffic officer, Vice Mayor Martin Hajart (VP), does not see the current situation as ideal either, but has a bigger plan for the future in this context. “From autumn of next year, Alturfahr should be closed to motorized traffic,” said Hajart when asked by OÖN. This would mean that it would no longer be possible to drive on Obere Donaustrasse. Speed bumps or the like are therefore not useful.
improve commuter flows
The timing is once again related to the completion of the Westring Bridge. “This will give us the opportunity to handle commuter flows better.” As reported, one lane on the Nibelungen Bridge should also be available for bicycle traffic at this time. At the moment, a construction site on the bridge means that only two lanes can be used instead of three, which causes massive traffic jams and the resulting great annoyance among the motorists affected. By the way: The fairness zones project, which has been announced several times, is to be presented soon.
Source: Nachrichten
