Bicycles parked at racks, in courtyards, or in front of building entrances are a familiar part of the campus landscape. Only when taking a closer look does it become clear how much the quality, equipment, and usability of cycling infrastructure actually vary. During the winter semester 2025/26, students set out to systematically document cycling infrastructure at TU Wien as part of the course “cycleFIT: Sustainable Mobility at TU Wien.” Rather than working from their desks, they explored the campus on site – on foot and by bike, with cameras and a critical eye.

The survey route led from Karlsplatz to the Freihaus, further to Getreidemarkt and Gußhaus, and on to the Atominstitut and the Science Center. The collected data were documented on site, photographed, and later analysed using GIS. The photos from the course do not show spectacular scenes, but rather everyday situations: tightly parked bicycles, empty spaces, improvised solutions, and locations that could offer much more.

So far, 105 bicycle parking facilities with a total of 1,370 parking spaces have been recorded. More than 90 percent of the surveyed facilities are not covered, and lighting was rated as insufficient at over 60 percent of the locations. While the familiar Vienna-style bicycle racks dominate, some installations reveal clear potential for improvement in terms of comfort and theft protection. A double-decker parking system at Getreidemarkt stands out as a rare exception. Beyond bicycle parking, the survey also examined showers and changing facilities. Where are they located at TU Wien? Are they clearly indicated in building plans? Some appear functional, others provisional, and some fall short of their potential. Service facilities such as bicycle repair stations were also documented.

Particular attention was given to areas that currently lack cycling infrastructure but could accommodate it – for example partially covered spaces, underused areas in underground garages, or peripheral zones with development potential. The survey is therefore not just an inventory, but a basis for prioritising measures and developing future improvements.

The survey is still ongoing a work in progress, much like the infrastructure itself. Even now it is clear that promoting cycling at the university goes beyond simply increasing the number of parking spaces. Weather protection, lighting, accessibility, and the overall quality of facilities all play a crucial role.The site visits were only the beginning. In the summer semester, additional cycleFIT courses will build on these findings, giving students the opportunity to develop innovative ideas for improving cycling infrastructure at TU Wien.