Almost single-handedly, a courageous woman from Vienna saved urgently needed parking spaces in Vienna-Döbling and opposed the city’s outrageous bike path plans. The bike path is coming, but differently. So he doesn’t bother anymore.
Gerlinde Schmitt is 82 years old and enjoys helping her fellow human beings. As reported, the former green deputy mayor Birgit Hebein wanted to turn the important, busy and long Krottenbachstraße into a cycling paradise. 240 parking spaces must disappear – in an area without an underground car park, without a metro connection, but with many municipal buildings.
72 percent against a two-way cycle path
Popular resistance was enormous. In a survey, 72 percent spoke out against the two-way cycle path. However, the Greens under Hebein resist advice on such issues. Thanks to the retired hairdresser with bourgeois courage, this extreme idea does not come to mind.
In the section from Flotowgasse to Börnergasse, the cycle path is laid out in a parallel street, Hutweidengasse. There it is easily possible. All road users benefit. At least 85 parking spaces will remain in the central section of Krottenbachstraße (there are three construction phases) (there may be more depending on further expansion plans).
How did Smith do? She searched all the homes and businesses in the area and posted signature lists. About 1000 gathered.
Review at City Hall
“I said to myself, yes, what should the people who depend on their cars do?” explains the Döbling resident of the “Krone”. District Chief Daniel Resch (ÖVP) confirms that Schmitt’s tireless efforts have led to a reconsideration in the town hall. It remains open whether and how the cycle path continues outside the city, i.e. after the Börnergasse.
The climate for consultation with mobility alderman Ulli Sima (SPÖ) is very good in this respect, says Resch. A positive view. Section 1, from Flotowgasse towards the city center, is already under construction.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
