VeloMetro is the name of the cycle route network concept developed by two ZHAW students. The solution is designed to enable cyclists to find their way around Zurich’s cycling network as intuitively as passengers navigate a metro system. The aim is to make everyday cycling more intuitive, easier to plan and therefore more attractive – not only for experienced cyclists, but especially for less confident riders.
Alison Frick
“When cyclists immediately know where they need to go, their sense of safety increases – and so does their enjoyment of cycling.”
A new approach to wayfinding for cyclists
The underlying idea is simple: “People who intuitively know where they need to go feel safer – and are therefore more likely to get on their bikes.” To achieve this, Alison Frick and Ralph Lütken developed a schematic route network map based on the City of Zurich’s planned priority cycling routes. The network consists of 18 colour-coded lines, labelled from A to T, which connect key transport corridors throughout the city. Inspired by familiar public transport route maps – such as those of the London Underground – VeloMetro deliberately emphasises recognisability and clarity.
Two options for wayfinding
As well as the plan itself, the Bachelor’s thesis focuses on its implementation within the real urban environment. To this end, two alternatives were developed: “The first approach is based on coloured road markings that provide continuous visual guidance along the cycling routes, while the second relies on clearly visible signposts at junctions.” Both solutions were also evaluated through ten expert interviews.
According to Lütken: “Although the road markings were viewed as particularly intuitive, implementing them in Zurich currently seems unlikely for planning reasons.” As a result, many experts initially favour using signage that can be integrated with SwitzerlandMobility’s existing wayfinding system. Nevertheless, the vision remains clear: to create a comprehensive, city-wide wayfinding system that enables cyclists to navigate their route without digital aids while riding.
To support such a system, the thesis not only provides a concrete design concept, but also includes practical recommendations for its implementation: taking into account the city’s designated priority cycling routes, the students developed an implementation roadmap containing well-founded recommendations for action that could contribute to a genuine “cycling revolution” in Zurich.
Thomas Sauter-Servaes
Mobility Science Programme Director
“Pioneering cities such as Paris demonstrate that the urban transport systems of tomorrow will need to accommodate a high volume of pedestrian and cycle traffic, as this can greatly enhance urban quality of life. However, if barriers to cycling are to be effectively lowered, we need initiatives such as VeloMetro, which have an important role to play.”
Interview
How did you come up with the idea of developing a route network map for cyclists?
Alison Frick: Professor Sauter-Servaes suggested that, as part of a project, we should investigate whether there are concepts in cycling that are as intuitive as those found on metro maps. We quickly realised that although SwitzerlandMobility provides excellent guidance for recreational cyclists, there is still no comparable guidance system for everyday cycling in urban settings.
Ralph Lütken: Exactly. Particularly in a large city like Zurich, with its many junctions and complex network infrastructure, such a schematic design seemed ideal, as it would offer recognisability and visual clarity. These two aspects were particularly important to us during the development process.
What other considerations shaped the design of the route network map?
Frick: We wanted even less experienced cyclists to be able to find their way around immediately. That is why, in terms of style, we took inspiration from existing public transport networks, with their bright colours, clean lines and major interchange nodes. We also included well-known landmarks to improve spatial orientation.
And what would implementation look like in a street environment?
Lütken: To this end, we developed two options: coloured road markings and traditional signposts. Both approaches were then discussed with ten experts, ranging from transport planners to cycling organisations. The feedback was interesting: everyone found the road markings more intuitive. In the short term, however, a solution based on signage is probably the only realistic option – particularly in Zurich, where traffic regulations are strictly enforced.
And what else did the experts think about the concept?
Frick: The feedback was generally very positive. At the same time, concerns were raised about cyclist safety if the cycling infrastructure itself is not expanded. For the large-scale implementation of our project, additional structural measures may therefore still be necessary to ensure that the infrastructure is safe even for less experienced cyclists.
What did you enjoy about the project, and what did you find challenging?
Lütken: For me, the creative aspect was the highlight – defining routes, identifying key interchange points and applying design principles. At the same time, however, it was also challenging to balance all of this with our professional commitments as part-time students.
Frick: I particularly enjoyed working with our external supervisor, an expert in signage design. We spent time discussing which colours, shapes and fonts we could use. One thing I am also taking away from this experience is that a good idea requires a great deal of perseverance if it is ultimately to be implemented successfully.
What comes next after your graduation?
Frick: I will continue working in the field of transport planning – and I hope that our idea might perhaps be taken up and put into practice in the future.
Lütken: I will likely spend two years abroad and would like to work either in public transport planning there or in the development of ERP software landscapes in vehicle maintenance. Milan would certainly be an exciting city, as it is currently making great strides in the field of sustainable mobility.
What would be your wish for VeloMetro?
Frick: That it finds a suitable city willing to test it. If it doesn’t end up being Zurich, then perhaps another city that’s open to new ideas.
Lütken: And that there is a willingness to depart from established standards when necessary – for a city where people genuinely enjoy cycling. And that there is the courage to break with convention from time to time – for a city where people love to get on their bikes.
