Cycling in Switzerland

Cycling in Switzerland route improvements

Laufen Valley rerouting (2018)

23 Basel-Franches-Montagnes, Laufen–Bärschwil

Description
Cyclists previously had to follow the H18 road used by heavy and fast-moving traffic. Although cycle lanes are marked on both sides, using this route (e.g. for families) is unattractive or even dangerous. The route now follows a recently repaired country/forest trail away from the main road. Enlarged map
Assessment
The measure allows a further enhancement of Cycling in Switzerland Route 23 in the Laufen Valley. Between Laufen and Bärschwil station, it now runs mostly on motor vehicle-free paths and through meadows and forests. Hikers can share the route without problems because the path is sufficiently wide and clear.

Construction of a walkway for non-motorised traffic (2017)

3 North-South Route, Arbedo

Description
A new walkway approx. 30 m long, 3 m wide and lit by an LED system allows direct access to the historic bridge over the River Moesa. The structure is designed exclusively for non-motorised traffic and has a hard surface throughout. It replaced a steeper marl path of insufficient quality that was used for the cycle route until 2017. Enlarged map
Assessment
The walkway allows significantly more direct and convenient access to the new SBB station in Castione, providing a link to Bellinzona and thus also serving intermodal traffic.
Financing
The canton financed approx. 50% of the cost, with the remaining 50% contributed by the municipalities concerned.

Construction of cycle path and bridge for non-motorised traffic (2017)

31 «Percorso Valle Maggia», Tenero–Gordola

Description
The new foot/cycle path is 3 m wide and has a hard surface throughout. It provides a new, more direct link between Tenero and Gordola, thus adding significant value not only for leisure and tourist traffic but also for everyday users. The foot/cycle path follows the SBB railway tracks at times and crosses the River Verzasca on a newly constructed, 17 m-long walkway. Enlarged map
Assessment
The new foot/cycle path makes the regional and local cycle links more direct, brings significant improvements in traffic safety and enhances access to locations including the national sports centre and the campsites in Tenero. Transferring the route away from major road infrastructure to quieter surroundings also brought an improvement in environmental quality.
Financing
The canton financed approx. 70% of the cost, with the remaining 30% contributed by the municipalities concerned.

Pays de Gex rerouting (2017)

50 Jurasüdfuss Route, Céligny–Versoix

Description
The route between Céligny and Versoix was rerouted over approx. 11 km. It now runs on motor vehicle-free paths wherever possible, passing through fields and extensive forests. At Chavannes-de-Bogis, the crossing of a busy main road was made safer thanks to a new set of traffic lights. Enlarged map
Assessment
This section of Route 50 is far more attractive and safer thanks to the rerouting. In addition, this modification also makes sense in terms of network strategy: Route 50 is now more clearly distinguished from the national Cycling in Switzerland Route 1 (Rhone Route) by virtue of its setting and surroundings.

Construction of cycle and pedestrian bridge at Landquart station (2017)

21 Prättigau Route, Landquart station–Landquart motorway junction

Description
The new 70 m-long cycle bridge over the River Landquart is the centrepiece of the cycle path in the vicinity of Landquart station. It offers cyclists and pedestrians a more direct link to Landquart. Enlarged map
Assessment
The construction gives cyclists and pedestrians a direct and safe link, separated from motorised traffic. This work also brings benefits for Cycling in Switzerland Route 21.
Financing
The cycle path section including the bridge cost around CHF 1.7 million to construct. 36% of this was financed by the federal government, 51% by the cantons and 13% by the municipalities.

Construction of cycle path along the Birs (2017)

23 Basel–Franches-Montagnes, Soyhières–Delémont

Description
Until 2017, the cycle route followed a busy cantonal road that was unattractive to cyclists despite the presence of cycle lanes. A track on the eastern side of the Birs was newly constructed as a combined foot/cycle path over approx. 2 km. In addition, a walkway was upgraded to enhance comfort for non-motorised traffic. Enlarged map
Assessment
The construction allows a layout on a completely traffic-free path, far away from the cantonal road and in an idyllic setting alongside the Birs. The new route also provides access to historic fortifications from World War II. To preserve the quality of the hiking trail, only one half of the path was given a hard surface, while the other half is coated with marl.
Financing
The measures cost a total of 640,000 Swiss francs and were implemented as part of the Delémont agglomeration project: 100,000 Swiss francs were contributed by the federal government and the remainder was borne by the canton.

Redesign / separation of Choller shooting range car park, Zug (2017)

9 Lakes Route and Routes 94 and 99, Zug, by the Choller shooting range

Description
The redesign of the car park made it possible to separate the foot/cycle path from the car park over a stretch of approx. 130 m. Enlarged map
Assessment
The section was made safer and more attractive thanks to this measure.
Financing
100% of the financing was provided by the municipality.

Construction of cycle path in Haute-Ajoie (2017)

647 «Sur les traces des dinosaurs», Chevenez–Rocourt

Description
A new cycle path covering approx. 3.5 km was constructed between Chevenez and Rocourt or rather Réclère, allowing the local route to be relocated over approx. 7 km. This also involved the creation of a new bridge over the cantonal road with the needs of non-motorised traffic in mind. Enlarged map
Assessment
The route is now separated from the cantonal road, making it far more attractive and safe. The improvements bring benefits not just for the local Cycling in Switzerland route but also for everyday traffic.
Financing
The work was carried out under the Rocourt improvement project and cost a total of 560,000 Swiss francs. It was financed entirely by the canton.

Construction of Maggia Valley cycle path (2016)

Description
A new 1.2 km cycle path was constructed at the entrance to the Maggia Valley, running entirely on its own route away from the narrow cantonal road. The central element is the renovation of the historic railway bridge at Ponte Brolla, which is now intended for cycle traffic, as well as a new overpass at Avegno. A narrow-gauge railway was operated between Bignasco and Locarno from 1907 to 1968. Abandoned since then, the route has now been redeveloped for cycling. This was a natural choice not only because of the romantic civil engineering structures but also in technical terms. An old railway line is ideal for cyclists’ needs: an ample width of 3.30 metres, an even surface and no excessive gradient. Enlarged map
Assessment
The old layout on the narrow and busy cantonal road at the entrance to the Maggia Valley was unattractive and a safety risk. This was a great shame because the Maggia Valley is very popular among tourists thanks to its natural beauty and traditional villages. The section opened in 2016 alleviated the problem, but there is more to come: a further upgrade of the 40 km cycle route through the Maggia Valley from Locarno to Bignasco is already planned. The link is mainly intended for tourism purposes, though several sections are also used by everyday traffic, particularly on the way to school.
Financing
The construction cost a total of 3 million Swiss francs, 86% of which was borne by the canton and 14% by the municipalities concerned. In total, the investments made and planned between Tegna and Bignasco amount to approx. 20 million Swiss francs.

Construction of Vinadi–Finstermünz cycle path (2016)

65 River Inn Route, Vinadi–national border at Finstermünz

Description
The construction of a 1.8 km cycle path along the River Inn allows the takeover/extension of the existing cycle path in the Austrian state of Tyrol from the border. This makes it possible to route an additional section of the Inn cycle path away from the cantonal road. Enlarged map
Assessment
The new cycle path section not only improves safety but also environmental quality thanks to its route near the river. This made Cycling in Switzerland Route 65 even more attractive.
Financing
55% of the financing was provided by the canton and 45% by the municipality.

Mesocco rerouting (2016)

6 Graubünden Route, Mesocco–Pian San Giacomo

Description

A 5.2 km stretch of the route between Mesocco and Pian San Giacomo was transferred away from the cantonal road and onto a road used for agriculture, which is now closed to general motorised traffic. Enlarged map
Assessment
Despite the steeper gradient, comfort for cyclists was greatly improved thanks to the reduced impact of emissions. The views of the valley and the imposing motorway bridges are made more impressive by the new layout, which passes by beautiful stables and meadows where goats and donkeys graze. The route also offers a number of rest areas.
Financing
The change in signalization was financed entirely by the canton.

Gisikon-Root rerouting (2016)

9 Lakes Route, Gisikon–Root

Description
The Cycling in Switzerland route was rerouted over 2.5 km between Gisikon and Root, with the aim of transferring the layout away from the Gisikon/Root motorway exit and consistently avoiding the cantonal roads. The route now follows side streets and municipal roads, crossing the cantonal road in the Root area where the cycle path spiral ramp under the railway line is also used. Enlarged map
Assessment
The new layout bypasses the unattractive junction of the Gisikon/Root motorway exit. Whilst the route no longer follows the River Reuss, it no longer runs parallel to the motorway either. This allows beautiful views over the Ron Valley, sometimes with the magnificent Mount Pilatus in sight.
Financing
The cost of the change in signalization was borne entirely by the canton.

Construction of Lake Ägeri–Sattel foot/cycle path (2016)

9 Lakes Route, Sattel

Description
A combined foot/cycle path with a width of 2.60 m was constructed on the section between Brunnernstrasse and Trombachstrasse (length 990 m). The work was carried out alongside the expansion of the road to a width of 6.00 m, with widened bends and verges. Enlarged map
Assessment
The expansion brought a general improvement in road safety, while the construction of the combined foot/cycle path was particularly beneficial to non-motorised traffic. Cyclists now use the combined path on the way uphill towards Sattel. For the Cycling in Switzerland route, this eliminates a left turn because the cantonal road can now be crossed from the cycle path.
Financing
The work was financed entirely by the canton.

Construction of cycle path on the Rhone dam (2016)

1 Rhone Route, Gampel–Niedergampel

Description
Until now, the Cycling in Switzerland route followed the cantonal road between Gampel and Getwing. This was unattractive and less than ideal in terms of road safety. The route now runs along the Rhone dam on a track free of motor vehicles. The existing path was reconstructed for the purpose and features a new stabilised surface. This made it possible to reroute a 4 km stretch of the Cycling in Switzerland route. Enlarged map
Assessment
The transfer to the Rhone dam allows the route to run consistently alongside the river. As the awarding authority, the Office of Mobility took the opportunity to improve access to the Gampel campsite and renovate the bridge over the Tschingil stream at the same time. A similar upgrade of the section between Raron and Niedergesteln is now planned in this area, including a change of route.
Financing
The implementation of the cycle path cost approx. 420,000 Swiss francs, 70% of which was financed by the canton.

Construction of two bridges in the Olten region (2015)

50 Jurasüdfuss Route, Olten–Rickenbach

Description
The construction of two new bridges and an underpass for non-motorised traffic made it possible to reroute a 5 km stretch of Cycling in Switzerland Route 50 (Jurasüdfuss Route) and Skating in Switzerland Route 3 (Mittelland Skate) between Olten and Rickenbach. As a result, both routes now run through Olten’s old town and continue along the partly renaturalised River Dünnern. Enlarged map
Assessment
The new layout is safe, more direct and more interesting, with beautiful rest stops by the renaturalised Dünnern. It also serves everyday cycle traffic and connects the Gäu region with Olten town centre.
Financing
It took two years to build the three structures. A total of 2.3 million Swiss francs was invested by the canton of Solothurn and the town of Olten.

Structural improvement and cycle rerouting, Boningen – Ruppoldingen (2014)

5 Mitteland Route and 8 Aare Route, Boningen–Ruppoldingen

Description
Structural improvements were made to the Cycling in Switzerland routes between Boningen and Olten Ruttigen (expansion of foot/cycle path, safety measures at the Ruttiger left turn). Some of the work was carried out as part of the motorway expansion. This made it possible to transfer approx. 3.8 km of the route away from the busy cantonal road (including many heavy goods vehicles) and significantly improve it. Enlarged map
Assessment
The route now runs closer to the Aare and offers better access to the attractive stretches of the river around Ruppoldingen. Safety has also been markedly improved.
Financing
20% of the cost was borne by the federal government (national road development), 55% by the canton and 25% by the municipalities.

Construction of Melide cycle path and footbridges (2015)

3 North-South Route, Melide–Bissone

Description

A new 1.2 km cycle path and two new footbridges were built between Melide and Bissone, giving non-motorised traffic a lakeside promenade of its own. The newly constructed footbridges made it possible to convert the former pavements on the bridges of the cantonal road into a separate cycle path. Enlarged map
Assessment
Separating motor vehicle, cycle and pedestrian traffic brought a substantial improvement in road safety on what was previously a narrow and dangerous section. The new cycle path greatly improves comfort for cyclists thanks to its convenient width and good surface. Bissone now offers an ideal link to Melide railway station for non-motorised traffic. For residents and tourists, there is now a far more attractive way to reach the public beaches, the Swissminiatur open-air museum, the sports centre, swimming pool or hotels, shops and restaurants on foot or by bike.
Financing
The project cost a total of 3.5 million Swiss francs, 75% of which was borne by the canton and 25% by the municipalities concerned.

Road restoration with optimisations for non-motorised traffic (2015)

2 Rhine Route and 753 Hegau Route, Stein am Rhein through-road

Description
A bottleneck for cycle traffic was eliminated during the restoration of Hemishoferstrasse in Stein am Rhein. At the same time, a core traffic lane was marked and entry to the town was made more comfortable for cyclists. The measures were implemented on municipal land.Enlarged map
Assessment
The Cycling in Switzerland routes now run on sufficiently wide cycle lanes or cycle paths throughout. Besides offering greater safety and comfort, the new layout is more direct as there is no need to switch to parallel side streets.

Improvement of cycle and pedestrian routing (2015)

753 Hegau Route, Thayngen through-road

Description
Many improvements for cyclists and pedestrians were implemented in conjunction with the creation of a pedestrian underpass by the railway station. A new crossing aid facilitates the left turn from Rietstrasse into Erlengasse, making it possible to open the one-way system to cycle traffic. Given the limited space, civil engineering structures were required to implement the crossing aid. Enlarged map
Assessment
Thanks to these measures, Cycling in Switzerland Route 753 can now run through the centre of the village from 2018, giving cyclists the option to stop for refreshments on the way through. The industrial area significantly increases the route’s enjoyment value compared with the previous layout.
Financing
The construction measures cost CHF 340,000 to implement, 40% of which was borne by the federal government (via agglomeration programmes) and 30% each by the canton and municipality.

Construction of Birs bridge/cycle path (2014)

64 Lötschberg–Jura, Loveresse–Pontenet

Description

The construction of a new bridge for non-motorised traffic over the Birs and a cycle path eliminates a dangerous left-turn manoeuvre between Pontenet and Loveresse, on the cantonal road outside the towns. Enlarged map
Assessment
Together with a new cycle path section, the new bridge closes the final gap in the Vallée de Tavannes cycle route. Users of Cycling in Switzerland Route 64 between Reconvilier and Court can now avoid the cantonal road throughout. The layout along the Birs also brings improvements in terms of comfort, attractiveness and safety.
Financing
The construction cost a total of CHF 325,000, of which CHF 80,000 was contributed by the canton and CHF 245,000 by the municipalities.