E-mobility in the test: cargo bikes are revolutionizing Villach's cycle paths!

E-mobility in the test: cargo bikes are revolutionizing Villach's cycle paths!

E-mobility in the form of cargo bikes has proven to be a practical means of transport on the picturesque route between Villach and Hermagor. Nina Fábián and Lukas Molzbichler, the KEM managers, recently led an exciting bike ride to test the benefits of this advanced form of transport in rural areas. The campaign was part of the “Tour de KEM”, which aims to promote alternative forms of mobility and raise awareness of e-cargo bikes. During the tour, not only were the cargo bikes tested, but also their compatibility with the S-Bahn was put through its paces. Fábián reported that the combination with the Kärnten-Ticket is very cost-effective and uncomplicated, which is particularly important for use in rural regions. According to Kleine Zeitung, the conversations with cyclists and tourists on the route about their transport options were also very informative.

The feedback was consistently positive, but there were also some wishes. Older people expressed the need for better signage and additional rest areas, while younger cyclists particularly appreciated the varied and natural route. The unclear directions were documented to specifically encourage improvements and further optimize the cycling experience.

Cycling in Villach is on the rise

The bicycle as a means of transport is enjoying increasing popularity in Austria. In Villach, cycling is increasingly being promoted as a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative. With an impressive cycle path network of around 170 kilometers, central points of the city and the beautiful lakes and beaches are easily reached. Mayor Günther Albel emphasizes the importance of these means of transport and the upcoming investments in the expansion of the cycle path network, such as the extension of the pedestrian and cycle path in Lind or the connection to Drauparkstrasse.

• Geplante Investitionen 2024 umfassen:
• Verlängerung des Geh- und Radwegs bis zur F.-X.-Wirth-Straße
• Anbindung der Drauparkstraße an die Steinwenderstraße
• Ausbau des Wegs in Landskron
• Erneuerung des Belags in der Italiener Straße

For 2025, around 530,000 euros have already been budgeted for the further expansion of sidewalks and cycle paths. The projects are currently in the planning phase, including the extension of the pedestrian and cycle path on Vassacher Straße. The new cycling concept also includes a coordinated cycling network with main and new connecting routes as well as a modern guidance system. Improvements such as more parking spaces for e-bikes and cargo bikes as well as an expanded e-charging infrastructure are also planned, which should make everyday life much easier for cyclists in Villach. Cycling is becoming more and more an everyday means of transport, especially since almost two thirds of car journeys in Austria are shorter than ten kilometers - a strong argument for using the bike.

Pedestrians in trend

But it's not just cycling that is booming. Walking is also becoming increasingly popular in Austria. According to a study, it shows that 92 percent of those surveyed walk several times a week and 73 percent walk every day or almost every day. The development is encouraging: the proportion of daily walkers has increased by five percentage points since 2021. This is a clear indication that Austrians are placing more and more value on active mobility and value the health and environmentally friendly aspects of this form of transport. 26 percent say they walk more often than two years ago, showing that trend awareness in this regard is increasing at just the right moment to address the challenges of modern mobility.

Overall, it shows that the initiatives in Villach to promote environmentally friendly means of transport are finding fertile ground not only among cyclists, but also among pedestrians. A good understanding of citizens' needs is reflected in the planned improvements and investments that aim to sustainably strengthen mobility in the region, and this is a step that will benefit many.