Third of Austrians bear transport burden
Hear This: Austria's Noise Dilemma and Easy Fixes
Living in the third person in Austria means dealing with the nuisance of traffic noise, as reported by the Mobility Organization VCO on the occasion of the Day against Noise. According to current data from Statistics Austria, road traffic is the main culprit, causing distress for a whopping 84 percent of the population, affecting over 2.57 million people.
"Too many cars and high speeds are a burden on residents' well-being," remarks VCO expert Katharina Jaschinsky. Road traffic isn't the only culprit; air traffic and railways contribute too, with 10 percent and 6 percent of the noise complaints, respectively.
Curbing the Dewafenation of Our Streets
Chronic noise pollution can lead to sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, and even potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes, warns the VCO. The good news? Effective measures, some of them quick fixes, can make a world of difference.
Lowering speed limits is a game-changer. With a speed limit of 30 instead of 50, traffic seems half as loud to the human ear. Municipalities and cities can apply this principle not only in urban areas but also on freeways and expressways in affected zones.
Pedal Power to Silence the Rumble
Promoting walking and cycling is another powerful strategy in the fight against traffic noise. By encouraging residents to use quieter modes of transport, cities can create a healthier, less noisy environment. The VCO urges its residents to mark problem spots for cycling on an online map on the VCO website by May 4th.
Green Barriers and Whispering Streets: Global Insights
Global research suggests that green infrastructure and sound barriers can significantly reduce noise pollution. From trees and green walls that absorb and scatter sound waves, to quiet zones and low-noise vehicles, cities can adopt a variety of strategies to foster healthier urban environments. Smart traffic systems and targeted regulations also play their part in easing the din.
So, Austrians, let's pedal our way towards a quieter future, one bike ride at a time. And, in the meantime, let's remember to keep those speed limits in check. After all, we all deserve a little peace and quiet in our daily lives.
- Implementable strategies such as lowering speed limits can provide significant relief from traffic noise, making a noticeable difference in the overall noise levels, as suggested by VCO.
- The health-and-wellness industry should take note of the negative effects of chronic noise pollution, including sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, and potential fatal heart attacks and strokes, as warned by VCO.
3.FINANCE and TRANSPORTATION sectors can collaborate to fund and implement science-backed solutions for reducing traffic noise, like the use of green infrastructure and sound barriers, which have shown promise in global research.
- Adopting a cycle-friendly culture can contribute to a calmer urban environment by promoting quieter modes of transport, as advocated by VCO, urging residents to contribute their input on problem spots for cycling via the VCO website.
5.Cities around the world are embracing strategies such as quiet zones, low-noise vehicles, smart traffic systems, and targeted regulations to create more health-conscious and quieter streets, like the initiative to lower speed limits in specific zones to reduce traffic noise.
