List of Possible Fines For Bicycle Riders in Switzerland

Hi Moneyguru,

Recently I received a find after having a fall on my bicycle due to the trail being icy. That was very unexpected and the fine was several hundred Swiss francs. I tried to contest it, but apparently in Switzerland it is legitimate to give out fines to bicycle riders who lose control over their bicycle.

Just to make sure I avoid wasting money on fines in the future, would you be able to send me a list of things which bicycle riders can get fined for in Switzerland?

Thanks

Hi there,

There are a number of offenses for which bicycle drivers can be fined in Switzerland. These include:

1. Not wearing a protective helmet.
2. Not keeping your hands on the steering handles.
3. Driving at night or in a tunnel without lights.
4. Driving on the sidewalk where this is not permitted.
5. Getting off your bicycle while in traffic.
6. Driving more than one bicycle side by side.
7. Being towed or pushed by a motorized vehicle
8. Pushing or towing another vehicle.
9. Disregarding traffic signals (including traffic lights).
10. Using a pedestrian crossing without dismounting your bicycle.
11. Driving your bicycle in the wrong direction (for a given lane).
12. Not using appropriate hand signals.
13. Driving on a lane which is not meant for bicycles.
14. Parking your bicycle in a no-parking area.
15. Not respecting a pedestrian's right of way at pedestrian crossings.
16. Driving a bicycle which does not have a working bell and a rear reflector
17. Driving a bicycle with worn tires.
18. Not coming to a full stop at stop signals.
19. Carrying a passenger without the appropriate gear.
20. Overtaking by driving in between cars in a queue.
21. Not using bicycle lanes when these are provided.
22. Not respecting right-of-way rules.
23. Incorrect driving and parking behavior.

This is not a complete list.

As a general rule, you are required to maintain full control of your bicycle when driving on public roads. An accident generally indicates that at some point you lost control of your bicycle. This is most likely the logic behind the fine.

Best regards from Moneyguru

More on this topic:
Bicycle insurance: Useful tips