Pedestrian zoneAustria

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12. Pedestrian zone

A pedestrian zone is an area consisting of one or more streets that are reserved primarily for pedestrians. Motor-vehicle access is normally prohibited or restricted to authorised users, particular purposes or specified times.

Pedestrians may usually use the full width of the available road space. Rules concerning cyclists, deliveries, public transport, vehicle speed, stopping and parking depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Pedestrian-zone sign allowing cycling. (Linz, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Sebastian Wallroth • CC BY
What is a pedestrian zone?

A pedestrian zone is an area where pedestrians are the principal road users and ordinary motor-vehicle access is prohibited or strictly restricted.

How can you recognise a pedestrian zone?

A pedestrian zone is normally identified by a special entrance sign. An end sign indicates where the pedestrian-zone rules stop applying.

Is a pedestrian zone the same as a pavement?

No. A pavement is a part of a road intended for pedestrians. A pedestrian zone may include the entire width of one or more streets, squares or other public spaces.

Is a pedestrian zone completely free of vehicles?

Not always. Emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, public transport, delivery vehicles, residents or other authorised traffic may be permitted under local rules.

May cyclists enter a pedestrian zone?

This depends on the traffic signs and local law. Cycling may be permitted at all times, during specified hours or not at all. Cyclists who are not permitted to ride may normally walk while pushing their bicycles.

Must cyclists give way to pedestrians?

Where cycling is permitted, cyclists must normally adapt their speed and avoid hindering or endangering pedestrians. They may be required to dismount when the zone is crowded.

May electric scooters enter a pedestrian zone?

This depends on how electric scooters are legally classified and on the signs displayed. They may be treated as pedestrians at very low speeds, as cyclists or as another vehicle category.

May pedestrians use the whole street?

Usually, yes. Pedestrians may generally use the full width of the pedestrian zone, although marked sections may be reserved for authorised vehicles, cyclists or public transport.

Do pedestrians have priority over authorised vehicles?

Authorised drivers must normally travel cautiously, leave pedestrians sufficient space and stop when necessary. The precise priority rule depends on local law.

What is the speed limit for authorised vehicles?

There is no universal numerical limit. Many countries require authorised vehicles to travel at walking pace or another very low speed.

May children play in a pedestrian zone?

Playing may be permitted because the area is primarily reserved for pedestrians, but this depends on local law. Children must still be supervised where authorised vehicles, cyclists or public transport are present.

May vehicles enter for deliveries?

Deliveries may be permitted during specified hours or under particular access conditions. Drivers must observe the information displayed at the entrance.

May taxis enter a pedestrian zone?

Taxis may be permitted to enter for passenger collection or drop-off, but access may be restricted to certain destinations, times or permit holders.

May you stop or park in a pedestrian zone?

Parking is normally prohibited or limited to specially authorised places. Brief stopping for authorised loading, unloading or passenger access may be permitted under local rules.

Does an intersection end a pedestrian zone?

Not necessarily. A pedestrian zone may include several connected streets and intersections. Its rules normally continue until the corresponding end sign is passed.

What is the difference between a pedestrian zone and a residential shared-space area?

A pedestrian zone is primarily reserved for pedestrians and usually restricts motor traffic. A residential shared-space area normally permits general local traffic but imposes very low speeds and special pedestrian and parking rules.

When do the pedestrian-zone rules end?

The special rules normally end at an end-of-pedestrian-zone sign. The ordinary rules of the surrounding road or another signed zone then apply.

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...