New traffic rules: pedestrians fear for their safety – News

01/04/2021 Switzerland



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Bikes can now turn right when there is a red light. Passersby are concerned, as the example from Zurich shows.

Since last Friday, bicycles, e-scooters and mopeds can turn right on red, as long as a signal at the traffic light allows it. The signage shows a yellow bicycle and an arrow. The innovation is one of the traffic regulations that have been in force in Switzerland since the beginning of January.

Zurich is the German-speaking city that currently marks the most intersections. Zurich checked a total of 900 intersections to see if they met the safety criteria. The result: Bicycles, electric scooters and mopeds will soon be able to turn red at 81 intersections. The corresponding posters will be installed according to a message “in the next few days”.

How are other cities implementing the regulation?

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  • BASEL – THE PIONEER: The city of Basel has been testing red turns for cyclists since 2013. The multi-year pilot test was positive. Therefore, the federal government has introduced the regulation in Switzerland from 2021. In the city of Basel, bicycles can turn right at ten red intersections. The city would like to introduce regulation at more intersections soon.
  • BERNA AND WINTERTHUR – THE COMFORTABLE: It should be possible to turn right on red at the 80 city traffic light in Bern. Implementation is not scheduled until February, it is said on request. The corresponding signs would still have to be approved and installed. The city of Winterthur has 30 intersections in its sights, as indicated in a message. At the end of June, the civil engineering department will provide signals to the traffic lights.
  • LUCERNE – THE AFTER: In the city of Lucerne it is not yet clear when and at what intersections bikes can turn right in red. The city is still in the evaluation phase, according to SRF’s request. The city designates two traffic lights that are equipped with hazard lights. Cyclists could already turn right there.

Unlike the canton and other Swiss cities, Zurich implemented the new regulation very quickly. “The aim is for cyclists in the city to be able to travel without problems,” says Zurich city security chief Karin Rykart (Greens). Turning right on red is one way to achieve this goal.

The aim is to make cyclists more relaxed in the city of Zurich.

Organizations like the TCS tourism club are also pleased that the city is acting quickly. Motorists would benefit from smooth cycle traffic, it is said at the request of SRF.

A bicycle turns right

Legend:

In Zurich Limmatquai, bicycles can turn right at Rot.

SRF / Anna Wepfer

On the other hand, those campaigning for pedestrian rights are more skeptical. Pedestrians still have the right of way. But as the weaker road users, they would be even more distressed, fears Monika Litscher, general director of the association “Fussverkehr Schweiz”.

You could circle pedestrians on the slalom and create a feeling of insecurity.

“One fear is that careless and inconsiderate bicyclists will run over the crosswalk and cut off pedestrians,” says Litscher. You could circle pedestrians on the slalom and create a feeling of insecurity.

So far there have been no accidents

Those responsible for the city of Zurich are also aware of this risk. That’s why they monitored ten intersections in advance where bikes are prohibited from turning right. The conclusion of the survey: In 461 such maneuvers, only 14 incidents occurred. Road users were to be avoided or slowed down. There was no accident.

Dave Durner, project manager for bicycle safety in the city of Zurich, is convinced that there will be no major problems in the future either: “I read from the survey that cyclists can turn right in red at designated places” . Therefore, the city wants to put up more posters throughout the year.

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