Swiss cities rethink street space: cars vs. bikes and pedestrians

An analysis of Swiss city streets reveals that roads for motorized traffic dominate space, while bike lanes occupy only three to four percent of the area, with parking often taking up more room than cycling infrastructure. This spatial distribution is now facing potential changes as cities revise their mobility strategies. The study by goNEON for SRF News examined cities including Bern, Zurich, Zug, and Geneva, finding that sidewalks are the second-largest space user after roadways. Local planning guidelines and historical practices explain variations, with Bern's connected bike network making it cycle-friendly despite similar space allocations, while Zurich plans to reduce car space by 2040. Geneva is rapidly removing public parking to make room for bikes and greenery, whereas Zug already has minimal street parking, prioritizing underground facilities instead. Cars require over twelve times more space per person than bikes or public transport, and the transport sector accounts for 42 percent of Switzerland's CO₂ emissions.