The Swiss Bicycle Advocacy Association is an independent non-profit organization with about 20,000 members. (Switzerland has about 7 million inhabitants with 4 million bicycles.) Our purpose is to advocate and promote vehicular cycling for commuting, shopping and recreation. The umbrella organization and our 30 regional/local groups represent the interests of cyclists at federal and local level, and offer a variety of services:

VeloJournal

We offer a variety of brochures on cycling-related topics, such as

• health advantages of cycling
• evaluation criteria for buying a good bicycle, trailer, and equipment
• practical advice for companies and employees to promote bike commuting
• advice for planners of bike facilities
• golden rules for safe cycling

We are the largest organizer of second-hand bicycle markets in Switzerland. Each year there are over 60 local bike markets where people can buy and sell inexpensive used bicycles, trailers and accessories of good quality.

In various cities we offer courses for safe cycling to children (age 7+) and adults. The courses are supported by the Swiss Foundation for Traffic Safety and consist of theoretical and practical training of traffic rules, riding techniques, vehicle handling and technical vehicle safety.

Our contest rewards companies that have implemented bicycle-friendly measures.

BikeStations offer a variety of services to bicycle commuters who "park and ride" at railway stations:

• guarded bicycle parking
• bicycle cleaning
• bicycle maintenance
• inexpensive bike rental
• free recycling of old bikes

A network of 9 scenic bicycle routes (3'300 km in total) throughout the country was opened in 1998. These sign-posted routes enable cyclotourists to explore the most beautiful landscapes of Switzerland on mostly paved trails undisturbed by motor traffic. Hotels, hostels and B&B-places along these routes are specialized in accommodating cyclists. Bicycles can be rented at many railway stations, and the Swiss Railways offer bike-friendly services.

You may contact our main office at

Pro Velo Schweiz
Dr. Christoph Merkli
Bollwerk 35
Postfach 6711
CH-3001  Bern
Switzerland

Phone: ++41 31 318 54 11
Fax:   ++41 31 312 24 02
E-mail:

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