24 September 2025 Walking shapes the future Cities and municipalities as role models for the mobility transition

There was much applause at the ceremonial award ceremony as part of the 1st Austrian Pedestrian Summit on 23 September 2025 at the Congress Graz. Ten cities and municipalities from across Austria, as well as the Office of the Styrian Provincial Government, were honoured for their commitment to healthy and climate-friendly mobility. Through their measures in pedestrian traffic, they are making a significant contribution to strengthening walking as a valuable part of sustainable mobility and creating liveable, future-proof spaces for all generations.

The awards were presented by Cornelia Breuß, Head of Division at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), on behalf of Mobility Minister Peter Hanke.

Mobility Minister Peter Hanke congratulated via video message and emphasised the importance of pedestrian traffic for the mobility transition: "Walking is the oldest, simplest and at the same time most sustainable form of mobility. It strengthens health, fosters social inclusion and makes our cities and communities more liveable. Almost all provincial capitals have already adopted a Master Plan for Walking, because our goal is clear: By 2030, we want to increase the share of pedestrian traffic towards 20 percent and decisively drive forward the mobility transition. I thank everyone who is committed to this and warmly congratulate the honoured cities and municipalities.”

Thomas Weninger, Secretary-General of the Association of Cities, also offered his congratulations: “Walking brings healthy movement into everyday life and life into the cities. Where pedestrian zones are expanded, squares and paths attractively and barrier-free designed, people walk more – with all the positive effects for personal health, road safety, the environment, and not least for retail. From the perspective of many Austrian cities, but also for us as an institution, these are very good reasons to advance pedestrian traffic ‘step by step’.” Weninger also refers to years of personal experience. He emphasises: “To truly feel and experience a city and its atmosphere, there is nothing better than ‘walking through’ it.”

Walking for everyone – a question of space allocation and mobility planning

At the award ceremony, projects were honoured ranging from specific sidewalk orientations to comprehensive redesigns of central squares. The awarded cities and municipalities have each developed and adopted a local Master Plan for Walking and utilised funding opportunities. It also became evident that expanding pedestrian traffic goes far beyond individual measures and addresses a central question of space allocation and mobility planning.

The fair distribution of public space among different modes of transport presents challenges to communities and cities of all sizes. Particularly for this reason, walking as a safe, climate-friendly and intergenerational mode of transportation is increasingly being integrated into local transport planning. Attractive paths and inviting areas not only contribute to quality of life but also represent an investment in the mobility transition and thus in the future. Moreover, it is evident: where safe and pleasant infrastructure for pedestrian traffic is created, usage increases significantly – and with it the revitalization of town centres and local economic strength.

Taking responsibility together: The success model of Styria

The State of Styria was particularly recognised. The Pedestrian Traffic Strategy Styria 2030+, developed in collaboration with TU Graz and adopted in the autumn of 2023, sets new standards in the promotion of walking. A pilot phase was launched in ten municipalities, an Austria-wide unique model where the state and municipalities assume responsibility together, not only professionally but also financially. The experiences gained from this flowed into the funding guideline adopted in 2024. Today, 21 Styrian municipalities have a “Local Pedestrian Traffic Concept,” ten of which are already being implemented. For the year 2025, the State of Styria is providing around one million Euros for this purpose.

The distinguished honourees at a glance

Lower Austria

St. Pölten (including promenade redesign with the creation of a wide promenade featuring ample greenery and seating areas)

Upper Austria

• Fischlham (including crossing aids over state road, expansion of continuous and direct pathways, traffic calming with a 30 km/h speed limit)
• Ried im Innkreis (including the establishment of walking connections along streams by 2035, traffic calming, and enhancement of the city centre, safe walking in the vicinity of schools and kindergartens)
• Wartberg ob der Aist (including the enhancement of leisure paths, safe school route connections, sidewalk on School Street)

Salzburg

Grödig (including creation of safe, continuous and short walking routes, widening of sidewalks and upgrade of a bus stop in the school area, crossing aids)

Styria

• Office of the Styrian Provincial Government (special award for comprehensive activities to promote pedestrian traffic in Styria)
• Graz (including lead project Neutor District with new tramline, pedestrian and cycle paths, encounter zone Kaiserfeldgasse)
• Gröbming (including project Klostergasse with barrier-free gap closure to rehab centre/nursing home, redesign of Stoderplatz)

Tyrol

• Dölsach (including design of safe walking paths to the centre, improvement of the quality of stay in the school forecourt, establishment of parent stops)
• Innsbruck (including redesign of the COOLYMP Olympic Park at DDr. Alois-Lugger-Platz, unsealing of areas and planting)

Vienna

Liesing – 23rd Viennese district (including Master Plan for Walking)