Cyclists in Vienna

Vienna, Vienna. It’s hard not be impressed by one of Europe’s most dynamic urban spaces. Soon the world may look on in amazement at its cycling culture. During Velo-city 2012 in Vancouver, ECF took the time to chat to the Maria Vassilakou, Vice Mayor of Vienna.

Maria Vassilakou is a wonder woman. With a delayed plane on route to Vancouver, she still managed to make it on a stage with a smile and enthusiasm. No wonder she's making huge changes in the Austrian Capital. 

When you talk about cycling in Austria, Vienna does not wear the crown. That probably goes to Salzburg or Graz. But there’s little doubt that cycling is on the up. In 2005 the city saw 3% of all trips made by bicycle. By 2009, trips had double and by 2015, the city wants to have 10% of all trips by bike.

One of Vassilakou's slides during her keynote speech

“We have found there’s two things you must do to increase cycling,” explains Maria Vassilakou, Vice Mayor of Vienna and a self-confessed bicycle addict.

“First of all you’ve got to improve your infrastructure. This is why we’re investing right now…to improve our infrastructure”

Last year the city installed 17 kilometres of cycle paths and lanes. But according to Vasilakou, infrastructure isn’t the whole story. She believes that promoting cycling is a must.

Vienna's bike share system

“The second most important thing is promotion. We’re doing this through special campaigns in Vienna. And Velo-city 2013 is going to be a huge help.”

The city won the bid to host the Velo-city conference in Vienna, and has dedicated 2013 as the year of the bicycle. City planners, including Vassilakou are predicting a huge boom in bicycle use when the conference is held next year and they’ll be running a whole series of promotional campaigns which aims to get the city cycling.

 The city has a remarkable number of trips done by public transport. In fact, 75% of all travel done in the Austrian capital is done by public transport, walking or cycling. The car is by no means king.

“If you see that there is a fair relation between cars and other modes of transport and if you make sure that public transport is cheaper than driving, than you’re on the way to a more balanced transport regime”.

But at the moment, the biggest thorn in Vienna’s transport policy is commuters coming from outside of Vienna. The cities roads are often clogged by numberplates from neighbouring towns.

“There is a wide and rising commuter problem. 250,000 commuters arrive by car every day. We will have to invest in park and ride facilities. The intervals of the suburban trains need to have a higher frequency.”

She also plans to put in place a comprehensive bicycle parking program for the city. And despite the commuter problem, you can’t help but sense the energy and passion of this Vice-Mayor. She believes wholeheartedly that her city is going to cycle. 

“I want half of the Viennese on bicycles,” she smiles. “I’m 43 right now and I think in my lifetime, I can achieve it.”

Go Vienna… ECF is right behind you!

Live Coverage from Velo-city

ECF is reporting this story live fom the world’s largest cycling policy in Vancouver, Canada where nearly 1,000 of the cycling world’s best and brightest have gathered for four days to talk cycling. You can read more stories from our Velo-city live page and tweet #velocity2012 to join in the conversation.

 About the Author

Julian Ferguson is the Communications Officer for the European Cyclists’ Federation. Originally hailing from Australia and a keen bicycle advocate, he plans one day to ride his bicycle from Brussels to Melbourne