The Mobility Lab was prominently represented at the 16th Austrian Cycling Summit in Saalfelden, contributing its expertise to several key programme elements.

Dr Martin Loidl, head of the lab, co-organised a panel discussion with Tadej Brezina from TU Vienna on the topic “Austrian Cycling Research – Bridging the Gap to the Practice of the Mobility Transition.” The discussion explored how scientific insights can be more effectively transferred and integrated into everyday practices. Excellent contributions came from the engaged audience as well as from Stefan Bendiks (Artgineering), Ursula Witzmann-Müller (UWM.Mobilität), and the keynote speaker of the second conference day, Katharina Gangl (IHS).

Another highlight was the interactive workshop “Data as a Gamechanger – Digitalisation as a Tool for Bicycle Planning”, organised and hosted by Robin Wendel, Christian Werner, and Martin Loidl. Together with practitioners, they analysed current uses of digital data in cycling promotion and discussed requirements for future data sources and digital services.

The programme also featured presentations of research projects, to which the Mobility Lab contributed. Florian Kratochwil (con.sens mobilitätsdesign) presented the Austrian-wide cycling network VISION, Sven Leitinger (Salzburg Research) and Michael Szeiler (con.sens mobilitätsdesign) reported on the RADBEST project, and Niklas Scheffer (Herry Consult) introduced the VERA guidelines.

Beyond the many exciting sessions, the summit offered numerous opportunities for professional and personal exchange. Representatives from public administration, research, and civil society used the occasion to network and initiate new collaborations – including at the Cycle Competence reception on Tuesday evening.

A particular highlight was the (far too short) Tuesday evening bike parade, during which numerous participants rode together through Saalfelden. A small group extended the ride with a lap around Ritzensee – including a hill climb and a stunning view over Saalfelden.