Cyclists in Austria can also turn right with a red light at certain intersections from Saturday – thanks to a change in traffic rules. However, there is no general rule for this, each federal state may determine the crossings and equip them with a corresponding additional sign. Which of course also means: the first implementation is different in every federal state – and not everyone agrees.
- Vienna: The federal capital will initially implement the new regulations at ten intersections, as traffic councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) told APA. The choice is mainly made for areas where there are bicycle facilities before and after the turn, ie you turn from one cycle path to the other. This way you avoid conflicts with other road users, it says. The locations will be determined in October. After that, eight more places could follow.
- Upper Austria: It is the intention that cyclists in Linz only turn at red. The number of planned intersections in the capital makes up for this, there are numerous: At the intersection of Landstrasse and Bürgerstrasse, cyclists can also turn right on red from Saturday. About 20 intersections in Linz will soon follow, announced traffic officer and deputy mayor Martin Hajart (ÖVP). A priority list is currently being worked on. More crosses could be added later. It is also analyzed whether the intersections concerned are also suitable for driving straight on at red, which, according to the StVO, may also be permitted in the future.
- Burgenland: Here, it is still being checked how many and which traffic lights cyclists are allowed to put on red in the future. Talks will also take place with experts and the other countries, according to the office of Transport Alderman Heinrich Dorner (SPÖ).
- Salzburg: Here one refers to the respective district administrative authorities. In the capital one standsjust in the starting blocks. We’ve touched on one or two places where that would make sense. But as a government, we can’t actively look for intersections where this could be implemented,” said a lawyer from the office. It relies rather on feedback from the city’s traffic planning or bicycle crew, and information is also expected from citizens with an affinity with bicycles or the bicycle lobby. “An investigation with experts and the police will then examine whether an extra sign at these points is actually useful and whether other road users, especially pedestrians, are not endangered.”
- Carinthia: There are currently no plans to allow cyclists to turn right at red lights at certain intersections. Upon request, the office of responsible speaker Sebastian Schnuschnig (ÖVP) said the regulation could have potential for conflict in road traffic from the point of view of the state administration – as also revealed by the review process. It remains to be seen whether the new regulation also proves its value in other federal states.
- Tyrol: We do not want to commit to this for the time being. Investigations and reviews would be final once the change is in effect. Only then can it be answered whether and which traffic lights, especially in urban traffic, can be appropriate.
- Vorarlberg: They are currently looking at which traffic lights or intersections are suitable for driving straight on at red. According to Mobility Council member Daniel Zadra (Greens), there are already very specific initial wishes from municipalities and planning regions. Of course, the safety of pedestrians crossing protection paths is also taken into account. The first test transitions will be realized in 2022 if possible.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
