Bicycle police ensure more security on the Austrian streets

After the gradual establishment of the bicycle police in 2023 in all federal states, the equipment of the police bikes was implemented and completed. Throughout Austria, 422 police officers work in the uniformed bicycle service, 165 of them in Vienna. 228 bicycles, including 62 e-bikes, are available.

The tasks of the bicycle police correspond to those of the regular patrol service, but the focus is in the area of ​​traffic safety. In 2024, the bicycle service 12,158 administrative ads were reimbursed and 13,213 organ mandates were issued. The number of fatal accidents has dropped compared to 2023, but remains high despite intensive control activity: 32 cyclists died in the previous year, 20 of them with an e-bike. Seven fatalities were recorded among the e-scooter drivers, 47 for pedestrians and pedestrians.

Security measures for more consideration in traffic

The equipment of the bicycle police is continuously modernized and expanded. Since April 2023, functional operational clothing has been available for all seasons and all emergency bikes can be equipped with flashing lights. The basic training takes place through the bicycle service in Vienna, the training in the respective federal states.

“The traffic safety of the people in our country must be extensively guaranteed, regardless of whether they are on foot, on two or on four wheels. The bicycle police represents an essential cornerstone for safety in road traffic,” emphasized Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

The aim of the measures is to strengthen the feeling of security, reduce accidents and promote respectful coexistence on road traffic by means of regular controls and focus on the patrol service and the bicycle police in traffic -calmed zones, pedestrian zones, on bike paths and in encounter zones. Particular attention is paid to the protection of weaker road users.