Gruppenfoto des Teams des Geschäftsstelle aus vorigen Jahren

Who we are

Who we are

Gruppenfoto des Teams des Geschäftsstelle aus vorigen Jahren

Who we are

Gruppenfoto des Teams des Geschäftsstelle aus vorigen Jahren

Trusted expertise in walkability for 50 years

Pedestrian network planning and design are at the heart of our unique and recognised expertise. We have over 50 years of experience in the safety and attractiveness of public spaces. Our actions for more walkability help promote daily physical activity and strengthen walking culture.

Articles of association and charter

Activities

We offer our professional expertise and are involved at national level through the following activities:
Research and pilot projects

We test new solutions and document their impact in order to make walking safer and more attractive.

Publications

We publish recommendations for professionals and illustrate good practice.

Politics

We are politically involved through parliamentary interventions, as well as postulates and motions at cantonal or municipal levels, and various positions on local projects.

Advice

Our professional, institutional, and private members benefit from personalised advice.

Promotion

We carry out activities that reinforce the positive image of walking.

Training courses on walking
Participatory process
Contact us

We are pursuing objectives in these four topics:

Road Safety
  • “Vision Zero”: Prevent all pedestrian fatalities and serious accidents.
  • People feel safe walking
Planning and Development
  • Municipalities plan and implement pedestrian networks that are attractive, safe, dense, and barrier-free.
  • Pedestrian-friendly design and public spaces make people want to walk.
Public health
  • People get enough exercise in their daily lives and spend time in public spaces.
  • Children mainly walk to school, as long as conditions permit.
  • An increasing proportion of leisure trips are made on foot.
Culture of walking
  • The Swiss population identifies with urban walking.
  • Getting around on foot enriches daily life
  • We bring people together through walking.
  • Strengthen cultural activities related to walking.

Successes and milestones

For over 50 years, we have played a pioneering role in promoting walking in cities.

Our greatest success is having led to the creation of an article on Pedestrian Pathways and Hiking Trails in the Federal Constitution and the creation of the Federal Act on Pedestrian Pathways and Hiking Trails (FAPP). We have supported its implementation ever since. Few other countries in Europe have such an instrument.

Important milestones for improving the framework conditions for walking:

1973
Federal Initiative
Federal Popular Initiative for the Development of Trails and Paths
1973
1974
Filing of the initiative
with 123,000 valid signatures
1974
1975
Articles of Incorporation
»Association Droits du Piéton» (ADP), known in German as «Arbeitsgemeinschaft Recht für Fussgänger,» replaces «Arbeitsgemeinschaft Rechtsgrundlagen für Fuss- und Wanderwege.»
1975
Counterproposal
Rejection of the initiative by the Federal Council. Development of a counter-proposal.
1979
Victory
The people approved the counterproposal to the initiative with 78% voting in favor.
1979
1987
Entry into Force of the LCPR
Law on Pedestrian Paths and Hiking Trails Following the Association’s Commitment
FAPP
1987
1989
No Parking on Sidewalks
Amendment to Swiss legislation
1989
1990
First pedestrian priority zone
Tests in Burgdorf and Biel with our support—a European first!
Pedestrian Priority Zone Platform
1990
1999
New Name of the Association
«Pedestrian Mobility Switzerland» in German: «Fussverkehr Schweiz»
1999
2002
Legislation on Pedestrian priority zones
Inclusion of pedestrian priority zones in Swiss legislation
OSR
2002
2016
Living end Streets
Introduction of dead-end signage with execptions pedestrians and cyclists, following a pilot project by Pedestrian Mobility Switzerland
Documentation
2016
2021
Construction Site Signage
Introduction of signage indicating detours near construction sites, following a pilot project
2021
2021
E-Bike speedometer
Requirement to have a speedometer on high-speed e-bikes, following a request from us
2021
2023
End of expert assessments
Elimination of the requirement for an expert assessment for 30 km/h zones and shared spaces, following a parliamentary motion by our president, Marionna Schlatter
2023

National and International Network

National

We maintain regular contact with various partners on the topic of walking in urban areas: federal, cantonal, and municipal authorities, as well as organizations with goals similar to ours.

National Partners

International

We follow the latest innovations on walking abroad and disseminate our knowledge there, particularly with the International Federation of Pedestrians (IFP) and Walk21

See our international activities

International Partners

Funding

Pedestrian Mobility Switzerland is a recognised public benefit association. Our funding is based on membership fees, donations, support from private foundations and public authorities for services and project management.

Become a member

As a member, you have access to our expertise and advice. Thanks to your support, we are active in your region and work to promote safe, direct, connected, and attractive walking routes for everyone.
Become a Member