105,000 signatures for Pro Velo initiative

Supporters of the Bicycle Initiative delivered their collected signatures to the Federal Chancellery on March 1 Keystone

A people’s initiative aimed at getting the nation on their bikes – and thus improving public health, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and saving money in the process – has been handed in to the Federal Chancellery. 

The “For the promotion of bicycle, foot and hiking paths” initiative gained a total of 105,000 signatures from registered voters, organisers said on Tuesday.

Signature collection was so successful that it ended early. Although the organisers could have continued collecting until September 3, 2016, the requirement of 100,000 signatures was met in the first six months.

The initiative gives cabinet, parliament and voters the opportunity to promote bicycling on a national level, say its proponents. “The potential of the bicycle is far from exhausted,” said Franz Gallati, president of Swiss Cycling, in a press release.

The proposal was launched by Pro Velo, the umbrella organisation for the interests of cyclists. Pro Velo would like to see support of bicycling anchored in the Swiss constitution. Footpaths and hiking trails are already represented by Article 88.

People’s initiatives must be signed by at least 100,000 citizens within an 18-month period in order to be considered for a vote at the national level.