Vienna introduces diagonal intersection crossing for cyclists

This December, Vienna, Austria (AT), inaugurated a new section of its Radhighway Süd (Cycling Highway South), a major bicycle route connecting central Vienna with municipalities in the Lower Austria region. This milestone introduced a unique feature in Austria’s cycling infrastructure, a diagonal intersection crossing designed specifically for cyclists. The crossing is located at the four-track intersection of Herndlgasse, Gudrunstraße, and Sonnwendgasse. Cyclists can now connect two bicycle paths diagonally in a single traffic light phase. This innovation integrates seamlessly with the existing traffic light programme, allowing cyclists to proceed diagonally during the same green light phase that allows two right-turn tracks for motorised vehicles.

The City of Vienna highlights the benefits of the diagonal bicycle crossing for cyclists and other active mode users, while leaving motorised traffic unaffected. Cyclists can now cross the intersection in half the time and share space with pedestrians less frequently, thereby reducing potential conflicts. Motorists experience no changes, as the diagonal crossing is fully integrated into the current traffic light sequence.

Vienna currently has two additional diagonal crossings for cyclists, but these share space with public transport. The newly opened crossing is the first of its kind in Austria, designed exclusively for cyclists.

Author: Claus Köllinger

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.