Cyclists in Switzerland might face additional financial burdens as proposed tax increase contemplated.
Rewritten Article:
The Swiss are mulling over a fresh development in their bike lanes scenario. Following the implementation of the Federal Law on Bicycle Lanes (LVC) on January 1st, 2023, cantons are required to establish bike path networks, with a deadline to finalize plans set for the end of 2027, and actual implementation slated for 2040. But, there's a twist — some are questioning whether taxpayers should foot the bill for this project, considering many may not even own a bike.
In February, Zurich's cantonal parliament provisionally backed a motion suggesting cyclists pay a traffic tax. This proposal calls for cost-covering tax on cyclists, and interestingly, it's not just Zurich cyclists who might be affected. Similar considerations are underway at the federal level, with the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) studying the possibility of introducing a two-wheeler tax to finance cycling infrastructure.
The proposed tax is being examined in terms of its exact amount and form — it could be a physical or digital vignette, an annual fee, or a surcharge while purchasing a new bicycle. The idea has its advocates and critics. MP Xavier de Haller, president of the Vaud section of the Automobile Club of Switzerland (ACS), supports the tax, as he believes it's "entirely logical" for cyclists to contribute financially, given that motorists already pay an annual vehicle tax and a 40-franc vignette. However, deputy Louise Trottet, a member of the pro-biking lobby, fears the tax could create "absurdities," such as taxing children who ride bikes, and points out that many cyclists also own cars and hence pay other taxes.
Despite the LVC legislation, some Swiss cantons are moving at a snail's pace in implementing this law on bike lane networks, according to the Swiss Bicycle Advocacy Association (Pro Velo). Bern, Valais, Fribourg, and Lucerne are making progress, while others are lagging behind. Switzerland boasts a high-quality cycling infrastructure, with a wide network of designated bike paths, as Pro Velo notes, with Bern being among the top-10 bike-friendly cities in Europe.
While there seems to be a divide in opinions about taxing cyclists, it's essential to wait for official confirmations from Swiss federal or cantonal transportation authorities before drawing definitive conclusions.
Interesting Fact:According to a recent international study, Bern is among the top-10 bike-friendly cities in Europe.
What do you think about taxing cyclists in Switzerland? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
- In light of the proposed traffic tax for cyclists in Zurich and the potential federal two-wheeler tax, discussions about financial support for bike path networks in 2023 are heating up, with some advocating for cyclists to contribute like motorists do with their annual vehicle taxes and vignettes.
- As the Swiss Bicycle Advocacy Association (Pro Velo) points out, some cantons are moving slowly in the implementation of bike lane networks despite the LVC legislation passed in 2023, with Bern making progress but others lagging behind, a fact that might be compounded by the additional financial burden of taxes on cyclists.
- With 2040 set as the year for the final implementation of bike path networks in Switzerland, the debate on whether taxpayers should foot the bill for cycling infrastructure through taxes on cyclists or through other sources will likely continue to be a topic of interest and contention in the coming years.
