Vienna becomes fit for walking Walk21 XIV International Conference on Walking and Liveable Communities Munich, 10 – 13 September 2013 Executive Group for Construction and Technology Public Works Group Susanne Lettner Thomas Keller 6 th + 7 th district, Vienna, Mariahilferstraße shopping street

Background Mercer study: Vienna was ranked No 1 in the quality of living surveys in 2009, 2010, 2011, % 6 % 39 % 27 %

Programmes with regard to pedestrian traffic in Vienna  Coalition government agreement between the Social Democratic Party and the Green Party (2010)  Urban Development Plan (STEP)  Vienna Traffic and Transport Master Plan 2003, evaluation in 2008  Vienna Climate Protection Programme (KliP) Programmes

Transport policy objectives - Traffic and Transport Master Plan  Stabilising pedestrian traffic at a high level  Improving the quality for pedestrians  Increasing road safety for pedestrians  Improving mobility for persons with special needs Programmes

Deputy Mayor Maria Vassilakou Executive City Councillor for Urban Planning, Traffic & Transport, Climate Protection, Energy and Public Participation Organisation chart - Vienna City Administration Core team Executive Group for Construction and Technology Public Works Group Dept. 19 Dept. 28 Dept. 46 Dept. 18 Mobility Agency

Pedestrian strategy for Vienna  outlines measures for different areas,  includes the objectives of the Traffic and Transport Master Plan,  is completed by basic research, pilot projects, and various measures,  is a guideline for the 23 districts to implement the most important measures Pedestrian strategy for Vienna

 Basic research  Surveys among pedestrians  Pedestrian counting systems  Developing strategic routes for pedestrians  Updating district analysis maps Measures to improve the quality for pedestrians

 Road safety  Structural measures  Technical measures  Traffic calming measures  Increasing the subjective perception of road safety Measures to improve the quality for pedestrians

 Planning quality  Accessibility Accessible pavements Pilot project “Vienna – barrier-free city”  Public realm – making open spaces more attractive  Pilot project on the topic of shared space / “Strasse Fair Teilen” Measures to improve the quality for pedestrians

 Signage systems – wayfinding systems  Public relations  campaigns Measures to improve the quality for pedestrians

Vienna’s new pedestrian zone: Mariahilfer Straße

 connects Vienna‘s Western Railway Station with the City-Centre  total length: m – pedestrian zone: 450 m  one of the most frequented shopping streets in Vienna  nearly persons per day  cars daily  lots of shops + offices  living area as well between the 6 th + 7 th district Aim: reduction of traffic + more public space for pedestrians Mariahilfer Straße - parameters

Best practice – Mariahilfer Straße

Important steps 2011: workshops with people living, working and shopping there people needs: relaxation and talking-areas without consumption more urban green possibility of ‚water-areas‘ on the surface a high quality of living political discussions till the beginning of 2013 Best practice – Mariahilfer Straße

Change of traffic-organisation: Start on 16 th of August 2013  close cooperation with police and many other players  testing phase only with marks and signs  observation + evaluation till March 2014  reconstruction: August 2014 – September 2015 Best practice – Mariahilfer Straße

Keep on walking! Susanne Lettner Thomas Keller Executive Group for Construction and Technology Public Works Group