Innsbruck as a hotspot

Bike demo on the highway causes traffic jams and trouble

The cyclists start at 3.15 pm at the Landestheater. The A12 in the direction of Bregenz will be closed from 2pm to 5.30pm.(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

The ban on cycling on the highway has been lifted, and participants in the cycling demonstration won't need a vignette either. Drivers can prepare themselves for something on Friday. The economy is groaning. 

The police and Asfinag are advising drivers to postpone journeys that are not absolutely necessary or to avoid the Innsbruck city area: The reason is the "Fridays For Future" bicycle demo. The route also crosses the highway. Incidentally, the event was not approved by the authorities. According to the Assembly Act, this is not even necessary. It can only be prohibited if certain conditions are met. Like in 2023.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com | Karte: openstreetmap.contributors)

 However, the authorities received a slap on the wrist from the administrative court: "Expected extensive congestion on the alternative routes does not justify a ban", the ruling stated. The case was initiated by the activists: in view of the climate crisis, the temporary traffic disruption caused by the demonstration was justified "in order to draw attention to the long-term catastrophic consequences of unchecked fossil fuel traffic", says Jonas Hoyer from FFF Innsbruck.

Mario Gerber, Head of Economic Affairs, warns of the economic damage caused by delays in delivery, loss of productivity and other costs. "Taxpayers will have to foot the bill, especially for public safety, for a few climate activists. That is irresponsible!" The lockdown starts at 2pm.