Challenge description

In Basel, too, many routes are covered by car. Cycling is emission-free, space-saving, healthy and offers a fast, comfortable and attractive alternative in urban traffic. However, many people do not dare to cycle in the city. How can we motivate them to ride their bikes for the first time or more often? Cyclists should always feel safe and have fun on the two wheels.

Basel is the city of short distances and yet only 16% of the distances are covered by bicycle. Nevertheless, Basel is at the top of the Swiss cities. The government has set itself the goal of being the most bicycle-friendly city in Switzerland! All roads should be fast, direct and safe. Because these factors decide whether people opt for the bicycle or another means of transport.

For every second person surveyed in 2014, fear of accidents is the reason why they do not cycle. Although this figure is lower among cyclists, almost every third person in this group is afraid of an accident. Parents’ dissatisfaction can result not only in their own renunciation but also in a lack of support or encouragement for their children to cycle. Objective and subjective road safety is therefore essential for the promotion of cycling. Only when safety is objectively high and subjectively perceived as high does the willingness to cycle regularly increase.

According to the survey, general comfort, weather, the risk of theft and noise are also relevant reasons why people do not cycle. Last year, the media also presented the high curb stone edges as a deterioration for cyclists. The study on the use of bicycles by young people provides further clues: Public transport is perceived as an important social meeting point and as practical and comfortable. The twelve- to 17-year-old young people surveyed were not favored by ruthless motorists, confusing intersections and tram traffic. Cycling is also considered “uncool” in some groups and the support of parents is often lacking. In addition, any accident or defect on a bicycle can lead to a change of transport

Challenge vision

1. How can we contribute to avoiding subjective or objective dangerous spots or to dealing with them safely?
2. Which markings improve safety and the feeling of safety?
3. How can we simplify urban traffic routes?
4.What information can we use to make young people, adults and parents more interested in cycling?
5. How can we prevent previous cyclists from not cycling at the beginning of new life stages (moving, changing job, 18th birthday, etc.)?
6. How can cycling be encouraged over short distances in shopping traffic / leisure traffic / commuter traffic?

The solution ideas should not include new infrastructures, but infrastructural adjustments can be part of the solution.