Knowledge Vienna Celebrates Inauguration of Dutch-Inspired Argentinierstraße 12 December 2024 Cycling News On Monday, December 9, 2024, Vienna’s 4th district celebrated the grand inauguration of Argentinierstraße, marking the end of a year-long transformation into a vibrant fietsstraat, modelled after Dutch cycling streets. Connecting Vienna’s main train station to the city centre, Argentinierstraße is a key element in Vienna’s broader initiative to promote sustainable transportation and reduce reliance on cars. With Monday’s lively festival, Vienna celebrated the renewed street design, which includes an additional 70 trees, around 100 flower beds, unsealing measures, traffic calming and plenty of space for walking to further improve the residents’ quality of life. More than 10,000 residents were involved in the planning, and many attended the festival – and put the new infrastructure to test – despite the suitably Dutch weather, cold and rainy. The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Wieden District Mayor Lea Halbwidl, Vienna’s Executive City Councillor for Innovation, Urban Planning and Mobility Ulli Sima, and the Dutch Ambassador Peter Potman. Ambassador Potman emphasised how important such projects are for the quality of life in a city: “Dutch expertise has contributed to a safe and accessible solution that further promotes cycling.” Representatives from various governmental and civil society organisations, including Mobilitätsagentur Wien, Radlobby, Radkompetenz Österreich, the Dutch Cycling Embassy, and the street’s designers, Sjors van Duren of RHDHV and local partner Rosinak, were also present. Together, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including free bike checks, a bike-light ride at dusk, delicious Dutch specialties from a food truck, a raffle, free stroopwafels, and a movie screening. Special appearances by Sinterklaas, musical entertainment by the Dutch Bicycle Orchestra, and a cargo bike DJ added to the festive atmosphere.