Conference on Transport Planning for Active Mobility - A Review

On September 16, 2023, the Institute for Transport Studies hosted a high-profile specialist conference on active mobility, bringing together over 110 participants from academia, planning, politics, and administration. The event provided a platform to showcase successful projects and innovative approaches to promoting active mobility, as well as to exchange ideas with experts and like-minded individuals.

Active Mobility: A Key to Sustainable Transport Systems
Active mobility—such as walking and cycling—plays a central role in creating sustainable transport systems. It improves health and quality of life, reduces traffic emissions, and contributes to the efficient use of urban spaces. The conference highlighted best-practice examples that demonstrated how obstacles can be overcome and attractive conditions for active mobility can be created.

Event Highlights
After the welcoming remarks by Univ.Prof. Dr. Astrid Gühnemann, Head of the Institute for Transport Studies, and Univ.Prof. Priv.Doz. DI Dr. Gernot Stöglehner, Head of the Department of Landscape, Water, and Infrastructure, the program featured engaging presentations on various aspects of active mobility:

  • "Active Mobility & Traffic Management – Perfect Match or Contradiction?" by DI (FH) Bernd Cagran, MSc
  • "All Journeys Begin in the Mind" by Maga. Susanne Hauptmann, MES MA
  • "Cycling and Public Transport – A Love-Hate Relationship" by DI Mag. Ekkehard Allinger-Csollich
  • "Reinventing the Bicycle? Highlights from 20 Years of Federal Cycling Promotion" by DI Martin Eder
  • "Best of Active Mobility from Planning Practice" by DI Michael Szeiler, MAS

In the afternoon, additional compelling topics were addressed, moderated by DI Dr. Roman Klementschitz:

  • "From Streets to Living Spaces: Climate Adaptation Measures and Practices in Traffic Planning and Construction in Densely Built Areas" by DI Wolfgang Ablinger
  • "Climate Adaptation and Active Mobility in Tulln" by DI Dr.Cornelia Hebenstreit
  • "Shared Spaces in Eisenstadt or Simply Enhancing Street Spaces" by Bmstr. DI Werner Fleischhacker
  • "Planning Unplugged" by DI Andrea Weninger
  • "Active Planning: A Journey Through Time" by DI Olivia Kantner and DI David Hacker

Honoring Two Remarkable Individuals
The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate two significant milestones:

  • Univ.Prof. Dr. Astrid Gühnemann celebrated her 60th birthday, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this special occasion.
  • Ass.Prof. DI Dr. Michael Meschik, Deputy Head of the Institute for Transport Studies, was honored on the occasion of his retirement for over 40 years of dedication to teaching, research, and practice in the field of active mobility.

We thank all participants and speakers for an inspiring event and look forward to taking further steps together toward sustainable mobility!