Cycling to work: Carinthia to shorter ways!

Cycling to work: Carinthia to shorter ways!

In Carinthia, the current mobility situation offers great potential to promote cycling. According to the VCÖ, almost half of the employees have a commute of less than 10 kilometers. This is more than 108,400 people, 68,400 of whom even cover less than 5 km. In comparison, only 45,000 people have a long commute of more than 40 km. These figures make it clear that the majority of the commuters could benefit from the possibility of using the wheel for the way to work. Gailtal Journal reports that corresponding mobility management and the Jobrad model of companies are a survey of switching to the switch to the bike can.

The VCÖ expert Katharina Jaschinsky emphasizes that the existing cycling infrastructure is a decisive factor for increasing the cycle traffic share. Good conditions for cyclists are essential to increase safety on the streets. Structurally separate cycle paths and speed 30 zones can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and thus increase the willingness to use the wheel for the way to work. The cycling share in Carinthia is currently 4%, while in Vorarlberg this proportion is 22%. VCÖ Faktenblatt explains that investments in the cycling infrastructure are very economical: an investment of one euro brings a benefit of five euros.

Jobrad model and its advantages

The Jobrad model encourages employees to use ecologically sustainable means of transport. Employers can benefit from tax advantages and financial subsidies, such as BM for mobility . Companies are able to provide their employees everyday bicycles that can be used both on business and privately. This can be done in the form of bicycles that can be used for a monthly fee or as a free service.

In addition, employers are recommended to create safe bike parking spaces, to organize cycling competitions and offer free bike service. Another essential aspect is the tax favoration of service bike leasing, which not only improves the parking situation, but also promotes the health of the employees and thereby reduces the number of sick leave.

Goals and challenges of cycling planning

The Federal Government has decided to increase the cycling share by currently 7% to 14% by 2024. However, these ambitious goals can only be achieved with a corresponding cycling infrastructure. The cycle path network in Austria currently comprises around 11,000 km. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that the municipalities and cities are responsible for planning, construction and maintenance of the bike paths. A lack of funds and planning competence could, however, face smaller communities of challenges, as can be seen from the VCÖ fact.

Finally, it can be stated that the expansion of the wheel infrastructure has a prestigious meaning in order to make commuting sustainable. The VCÖ mobility price, which will be advertised in 2025 under the motto "Mobility Management", is a step in the right direction to support companies in their efforts to promote cycling as an attractive option for the way to work.