Pressbaum, January 27, 2026 – After a fatal cycling accident in Pressbaum, the Pressbaum cycling lobby, together with a non-partisan citizens’ initiative, is calling for an immediate rethink in traffic planning. The initiators are addressing the municipality and the state of Lower Austria with a large-scale petition: The era of dangerous multi-purpose lanes must end – what is required is a structurally separate, elevated cycle path along the B44.
“It’s not about luxury, but about the basic right to get safely from A to B. Safety must take precedence over habit!”
Infrastructure as a security risk
“Serious accidents in Pressbaum are not isolated incidents, but rather the logical consequence of an outdated and unsafe infrastructure,” said the initiative’s spokespersons. The current condition of the multi-purpose lane on the B44 is life-threatening: potholes, damaged pavement and the constant danger of car doors opening (“dooring”) make the everyday route a gauntlet for commuters and school children.
The ÖAMTC recommends a safety distance of up to 1.8 meters for parking lanes – a requirement that is legally and practically impossible to implement on the narrow strip of the B44 without moving into flow traffic.
The core demands of the initiative:
- Structural separation: Construction of an elevated cycle path on the B44 that is physically separated from vehicle traffic.
- Safety for all: Incorporating improved sidewalks for pedestrians.
- No fake solutions: Avoid using mere markings (“temporary solutions”) that do not offer any real security.
- Use of funding: The state of Lower Austria currently supports such projects with up to 70%.
Benefits for the entire city community
A safe cycle path takes pressure off the road. Many parents are currently acting as “taxi” because they cannot let their children drive alone due to the dangerous situation. A safe infrastructure would reduce private traffic and also benefit drivers: risky overtaking maneuvers and slow following behind cyclists are eliminated thanks to the structural separation.
365 days for security
The petition started on January 25th, 2026, is non-partisan and is aimed at all residents of Pressbaum and the neighboring communities as well as all commuters. The signatures will be sent to the local council to maintain the pressure to act.
Link to the petition:
