Cycling Protest on Inntalautobahn Highlights Climate Concerns

A bicycle demonstration organized by the climate advocacy group 'Fridays For Future' commenced on a segment of the Tyrolean Inntalautobahn (A12) near Innsbruck on Friday afternoon. The event began with a gathering at Landhausplatz in the city center, attracting approximately 100 participants who engaged in speeches and musical performances.

The police had indicated that they did not anticipate significant traffic disruptions, implementing roadblocks and detours to manage the event effectively. The protest aimed to draw attention to issues surrounding the Brenner North Access, particularly in light of the substantial investments directed toward the Brenner Base Tunnel, while highlighting the opposition faced from Germany and Bavaria regarding the necessary infrastructure developments.

One of the key speakers emphasized the need for a sustainable future, advocating for reclaiming public space and urging participants to chant against the blockade related to the Brenner North Access. Following the speeches, a singer-songwriter and a street music ensemble entertained the crowd before the cycling procession commenced at around 15:00. The cyclists proceeded from the Innsbruck-Mitte highway entrance onto the Inntalautobahn heading towards Bregenz. According to police reports, the group would ride approximately 800 meters along the A12 before exiting the highway just before the Wiltener Tunnel.

In preparation for the demonstration, law enforcement had anticipated delays on both major and minor road networks as well as within the city. A comprehensive traffic and safety plan was established, with the first road closure, affecting the Zenzenhof exit on the Brennerautobahn (A13) towards Innsbruck, implemented at 13:00. This measure aimed to alleviate congestion on alternative routes, with traffic redirected through the Innsbruck-South exit. Additionally, the right lane was closed just before the Amras Tunnel towards Bregenz, while the Innsbruck-East entrance remained accessible, redirecting traffic via the A13. Following the Amras Tunnel, the A12 towards Bregenz was fully shut down, with the Innsbruck-Mitte entrance closed until approximately 18:30.

Moreover, the authorities enforced single-lane traffic with speed restrictions between the Wilten Tunnel and the Innsbruck-Mitte exit towards Kufstein. These measures are expected to conclude by 18:30. A police spokesperson noted that the same strategies successfully implemented during last year's similar demonstration would be employed again, expressing hope that participants would adhere to the traffic guidelines to avoid chaos.

'Fridays For Future' aims to not only raise awareness regarding the excessive transit traffic through Tyrol but also to advocate for the long-delayed North Access necessary for the under-construction Brenner Base Tunnel. Organizers urged the German Bundestag to expedite the implementation of the planned railway route in Bavaria, estimating the participation of around 1,000 cyclists, a decrease from the estimated 2,000 participants in 2024.