Vienna's Ringstrasse to Get Wider Bike Lanes and Greener Walkways by 2027
Vienna's iconic Ringstrasse is set for a major redesign to better separate bike and pedestrian traffic. The city plans to add wider bike lanes, new greenery, and improved walkways while keeping the boulevard's historic charm. Work on the first section begins this autumn, with completion expected by 2027. Cycling has been part of the Ringstrasse for over a century, with official permission granted around 1900. A dedicated bike lane was first introduced in the mid-1980s, its sand-coloured surface nodding to the original gravel paths used by early cyclists.
The upcoming overhaul will focus first on the stretch between Schottenring and Schottentor subway stations. Here, a 4.5-metre-wide bike lane will be built, along with 900 square metres of new greenery. To make room, some secondary car lanes will be removed. The redesign will also feature lens-shaped paving patterns to alert cyclists when pedestrians might cross their path.
The entire project will roll out in four stages, covering one side of the Ringstrasse at a time. By the end, two permanent bike lanes—either one two-way lane or two one-way lanes—will run the full 4-kilometre length of the boulevard. A new pedestrian walkway will also be added, ensuring clearer separation between walkers and cyclists. The city expects to finish the first section by the first half of 2027, with the full project completed within this legislative term.
Costs for the redesign are estimated in the low tens of millions of euros. The goal is to modernise the Ringstrasse while preserving its historic character, balancing practical updates with its traditional appearance. Once complete, the Ringstrasse will have dedicated, structurally separated bike paths and improved pedestrian zones. The changes aim to reduce conflicts between cyclists and walkers while maintaining the boulevard's distinctive look. Construction will proceed in phases, with the first upgrades visible within the next few years.
