Floridsdorf district parliament: cycling and pigeon plague in focus

Von WOM

In the most recent meeting of the Floridsdorf district parliamentary, there were heated discussions about several topics, including the situation of bicycle traffic during the renovation of the north bridge. These work, which should last until 2028, raise many questions, especially with regard to how cyclists and pedestrians can safely navigate through the district during this time.

The district council of the adult education center took place on Wednesday, November 6th. A particularly controversial point was the application "Active Mobility North Bridge/Steinitzsteg", which was brought in by the Greens. The Steinitzsteg, which is usually reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, is to be temporarily opened for car traffic during the renovation work. This ensures concern among the supporters of the cycling.

Way to the target

The Greens believe that these measures are disadvantaged by these measures. They asked the City Councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) to negotiate with ASFINAG in order to create alternative crossing options. However, the reaction of the other parties to this proposal was reserved. For example, the district councilor Erwin Toth-Isaszegi (Greens) pointed out that the replacement route via the Floridsdorfer Brücke with two kilometers was a considerably long detour. District head Georg Papai (SPÖ) replied that the narrowing of the car traffic on the northern bridge could lead to an overload of the district center. Despite the concerns, the application was forwarded to the further discussion in the traffic commission.

An additional proposal of the Greens requires the establishment of a cycling speed from the north bridge to Prague Straße. This application was also handed over to the traffic commission. The debates about bicycle traffic did not seem to end.

drive freely or not?

Another application dealt with the cancellation of the obligation to use the cycle path in Embergasse between Knöfelgasse and Koschiergasse. This is a common walking and bike path that is up for discussion. Alexander Polansky, Bavarian District Council of the Greens, argued that a regulation would enable cyclists to drive on the street without usage obligation, which in his view would be an advantage for several user groups. However, the voices of the opposition, in particular by SPÖ district councilor Manfred Anderle, pointed out the already narrow street, which could become even more dangerous due to more cycling. Finally, similar to the previously, the application was referred to the transport commission, but without the support of the Greens.

In addition, the committee dealt with the ongoing pigeon plague on Franz-Jonas-Platz. An application by the HC Strache team dealt with the dirt caused by the birds. Gernot night fog from the SPÖ emphasized that similar applications are already being treated by the Greens in the environmental committee. The new application was unanimously referred to the environmental committee to find a solution to the problem.

The events of the session illustrate the challenges that the district council faces when it comes to the balance between different modes of transport and their needs. While the discourses continue to be intensively conducted, it remains to be seen which solutions are ultimately found. For more information, see the current reporting on www.meinbeirzirk.at .