Döbling in the cyclist dispute: multi-purpose strips becomes a death trap!

Döbling in the cyclist dispute: multi-purpose strips becomes a death trap!

in Döbling, one of the most charming districts in Vienna, becoming more and more popular. However, there are also massive challenges here, especially in connection with the safety of cyclists. The dispute between cyclists and car travelers has particularly pointed around the multi -purpose strip in Hardtgasse. This shows that the transport infrastructure often cannot keep up with rising bicycle traffic. According to [meinbezirk.at] (https://www.meinbezirk.at/doebling/c-lokales/wie-sicher-ist-Toeblee- multi-purpose strip_a7373804), the area has gained popularity in recent years, but the multi-purpose strip is perceived as dangerous by many cyclists. Some already refer to him as "suicide strips".

The bike crossings on the Krottenbach cycle path and the multi -purpose strips mentioned often lead to conflicts, some of which are due to misunderstandings in the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). This arranges that cyclists have priority on marked wheel crossings. Nevertheless, the risk of accidents increased, especially in Hardtgasse, where four cyclists were seriously injured between 2012 and 2024, three of them in connection with other road users. In a message, the SPÖ and the NEOS already called for improvements to this strip in December 2024, but so far there have been no significant structural measures.

city policy and security measures

In April 2025, the NEOs applied in the district council to check all intersections in Döbling and to color red to increase safety. This proposal was approved, while the FPÖ was right. Here it becomes clear that the traffic policy in the district has an important role in improving safety for cyclists and taking the increasing number of bicycle applications into account.

At the national level, the topic of security for cyclists is reflected in alarming statistics. According to Tagesschau.de, a total of 441 cyclists died in road traffic, which is a worrying number, although this is 33 less than in 2023. Nevertheless, there is a clear increase in the ten -year comparison. Seniors aged 65 and over are particularly at risk of almost two thirds of the fatally injured cyclists. In most cases, over 70 percent, the accidents were collisions with cars.

causes and education

The security situation for cyclists is influenced by various factors. Studies by the Federal Institute for Streets show that men have a higher risk of accidents and that the proportion of alcoholic accident victims is also worrying. The number of unreported number of bicycle accidents is estimated at 70 percent, and almost 8 percent of cyclists stated that they had had an accident in the past three years.

The causes of the accident are often diverse. Distracting by calling or listening to music during driving are assessed as dangerous by over 50 percent of those surveyed. In addition, many young cyclists do not wear helmets, which increases the risk of head injuries. The need for information and continuous traffic safety measures is repeatedly emphasized to counteract the high number of accidents.

The situation in Döbling is therefore a clear finger that the city administration urgently needs to act. The expanded bicycle traffic should not only be encouraged, but also safely designed. The challenge is to find a balance between the growing number of cyclists and the safety in road traffic - a task that affects all road users.