End of a Popular Shortcut: The Pedestrian and Bike Path Between Angergasse and Neuholdaugasse Closes on June 30, 2025
Dear cycling friends of Graz, today we unfortunately don’t have the happiest news for you: The 85-meter-long pedestrian and bike path running between Angergasse and Neuholdaugasse on private property will no longer be publicly accessible from July 1, 2025 onward. This means that the shortcut many of us have used so far will be gone in the future – sniff.
Why is this happening?
The reason lies in property ownership. P. Kovac Co. GmbH is the owner of the land on which the path runs. In a temporary contract, they had allowed the city of Graz to make the path publicly usable for several years. This agreement was set from the start with a clear expiration date – which is June 30, 2025. After that, the usage permission ends, and P. Kovac Co. GmbH does not want to keep the area accessible to the public.
What happens from July 1, 2025?
- The passage will be blocked with secure construction fences – no more passing through on foot or by bike.
- The city of Graz will post various informational materials along the path so that nobody suddenly encounters unexpected barriers:
- From the north, shortly before the “Am Langedelwehr” intersection
- From the east at the Fröhlichgasse intersection
- From the south directly in front of the closure and near the adjacent kindergarten
- Instead of going through the property, you’ll have to take the longer detour around it – via Mühlgangweg and Neuholdaugasse.
The City of Graz and the Owner: A Win-Win Solution
What sounds like a drama is at least not a complete mess. P. Kovac Co. GmbH is taking over the path including the fence and lighting, so the city of Graz doesn’t have to painstakingly dismantle everything. As a "treat," a permanent barrier system with a door module will be installed that can be opened in emergencies (for example, by rescue forces).
What does this mean for us cyclists?
First of all, it means: More planning is needed if you use Angergasse or Neuholdaugasse! The popular shortcut is soon history, and you’ll have to take the slightly longer route via Mühlgangweg instead. A small detour, but still very manageable and markedly safer than wild sneaky trails through underbrush.
The existing pedestrian and bike path in Neuholdaugasse to the city beach south of the soap factory will remain open – so don’t despair, Graz still has plenty of cycling infrastructure!
Conclusion
Sometimes even a narrow 85 meters are worth more than you think – and losing such a path can be annoying. But the good news: Graz continues to work on making cycling as comfortable and safe as possible. Even if here a private decision affects public life, there are many other routes and room for new ideas.
So, dear cyclists: Take the time until the end of June 2025 to cruise along the path – and then it’s time to switch to the alternative route!
Have you already used this shortcut? Or do you have tips on how best to bypass the path? Share your stories and pictures! Photograph your best cycling moments around Angergasse, Neuholdaugasse, or the Mühlgangweg route and post them on Instagram or Bluesky with #bikegraz – we look forward to your contributions!
