Urgent: Swiss Bike Infrastructure Faces Scrutiny – Dutch Planner Questions Safety for Children
Bern, Switzerland – A critical assessment of Switzerland’s bicycle infrastructure is making headlines today, as Dutch city planner Elke Schimmel publicly questioned the safety of Swiss roads for young cyclists. During a field study across the country, Schimmel highlighted confusing traffic patterns, disappearing bike lanes, and inadequate signage, sparking a national conversation about prioritizing cyclist safety and the implementation of the new Velowegs Act.
City planner Elke Schimmel examines the complex traffic situation at Loryplatz in Bern, where bicycle routes intersect with tram lines and roads. (Photo: Raphael Moser)
“Would You Let Your Ten-Year-Old Ride Here?” – A Stark Question
Schimmel’s concerns came to a head at Loryplatz in Bern, a notorious intersection even for experienced cyclists. “Would you let your ten-year-old daughter Velo drive here?” she asked, observing a chaotic scene of honking cars and cyclists forced onto the sidewalk. Her assessment isn’t simply about inconvenience; it’s about fundamental safety. Good bike paths, she argues, should be intuitive, removing the cognitive load that forces cyclists to constantly assess risk. The current infrastructure, she contends, does the opposite.
The Velowegs Act: Ambitious Goals, Implementation Hurdles
Switzerland is legally obligated to create safe and continuous bicycle networks by 2042 under the recently enacted Velowegs Act. Cantons are required to have plans in place by 2027. While 25 of 26 cantons now have dedicated specialist offices (a significant increase from 11 in 2017), progress is hampered by a critical shortage of skilled engineers. Despite available funding, projects are stalled because of a lack of expertise in designing truly cyclist-friendly infrastructure.
A Glimmer of Hope: Köniz Shows What’s Possible
Not all is bleak. Schimmel pointed to a construction site bypass in Köniz as an example of best practice. The temporary route provided a dedicated, clearly marked path for cyclists, avoiding the dangers of sidewalk riding. “It works,” she stated, highlighting the potential for effective solutions when properly implemented. This stands in stark contrast to the experiences elsewhere, where cyclists are often forced to navigate construction zones alongside pedestrians or directly into traffic.
Learning from the Dutch Model: Prioritizing the User Experience
Schimmel’s critique isn’t simply negative; it’s informed by decades of experience in the Netherlands, a global leader in cycling infrastructure. “In the Netherlands, we plan from the user experience,” she explained. “How do cyclists perceive the space? Do they see the sign at the right moment?” Dutch planning prioritizes visibility, intuitive design, and a holistic understanding of how cyclists interact with their environment. Cities like Utrecht and Ghent have successfully transformed urban spaces by prioritizing cycling and pedestrian traffic, demonstrating the potential for significant improvements.
Elke Schimmel delivers her keynote address at the Veloforum Switzerland, using her journey as a real-world case study. (Photo: Daniel Bürgin/Volltoll.ch)
Beyond Infrastructure: A Strategic Lever for Climate Policy
Schimmel emphasized that robust cycling networks aren’t just about transportation; they’re a strategic component of climate policy. In the Netherlands, cycling is viewed as a key solution to reducing carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion. This requires political will and public support, but the benefits – improved air quality, reduced healthcare costs, and a more livable urban environment – are substantial.
Funding Isn’t the Problem, Expertise Is
Swiss officials acknowledge the challenges. Freiburg State Councilor Jean-François Steiert admitted that while funding isn’t lacking, the necessary expertise is. National Councilor Delphine Klopfenstein Broggini called for increased federal investment in training and recruitment. Astra director Jürg Röthlisberger countered that the issue isn’t financing, but project readiness, with significant funds remaining unspent due to a lack of viable projects. He also pointed to public transport as the primary competitor to cycling in urban areas, suggesting pragmatic solutions like allowing bicycles on bus routes.
The debate highlights a crucial tension: Switzerland’s commitment to cycling infrastructure is hampered not by a lack of resources, but by a shortage of the specialized skills needed to translate ambition into reality. The e-bike is seen as a key to unlocking a more sustainable transportation future, but realizing that potential requires a fundamental shift in planning and execution.
As Switzerland navigates this critical juncture, the lessons from countries like the Netherlands – prioritizing user experience, embracing innovative design, and recognizing cycling as a strategic asset – offer a clear path forward. The question now is whether the political will and the necessary expertise can be mobilized to create a truly safe and accessible cycling network for all.
