A study on passing distances conducted by the Swiss Transport Club (VCS) in collaboration with the Ostschweizer Fachhochschule (OST) shows that motorists do not maintain a safe distance from bicycles in urban traffic. The VCS announced this in a press release. In about eight out of ten maneuvers measured, the distance was less than 1.5 meters. In more than one-third of the cases, it was even less than one meter. This brings an old traffic law dispute back onto the political agenda.
Study Using an Ultrasonic Sensor Over 1,500 Kilometers
The data set is extensive by Swiss standards. The VCS, in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland (OST), examined passing behavior on major bicycle routes. Measurements were taken in Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Köniz, Burgdorf, Sion, and Olten. A test bicycle equipped with an ultrasonic sensor recorded lateral distances over approximately 1,500 kilometers. The average passing distance was 120 centimeters. There were only minor differences among the seven cities. The pattern therefore appears to be structural rather than local.
Main Roads as a Hotspot for Bicycle Safety
The distribution of traffic is highly uneven. On major roads, the researchers recorded an average of 9.2 passing maneuvers per kilometer. On minor roads, the figure was only 1.5. It is also striking that cyclists with child trailers were passed with almost the same lack of space. Nor did drivers adjust their distance in accordance with their speed. This finding carries particular weight, as the physically required safety margin increases with rising speed.
Legal Situation in Switzerland Remains Vague
Swiss law does not specify a numerical value. Art. 34(4) SVG requires maintaining a sufficient distance from all road users. Art. 35(3) SVG calls for special consideration when passing. Both are vague legal terms. Courts define them on a case-by-case basis, depending on speed, road width, weather conditions, and vehicle type. Violations are treated as traffic violations under Article 90 of the Road Traffic Act (SVG). In cases of significant danger, the aggravated form of Article 90(2) SVG applies. In practice, however, enforcement often fails due to a lack of evidence.
A 1.5‑meter passing distance as a policy demand
The VCS draws a clear conclusion from this. It calls for a legally mandated minimum passing distance of 1.5 meters. Project manager Edward Weber puts it bluntly: “This makes passing cyclists a life-threatening matter of discretion.” This demand is not new. As early as 2017, National Council member Matthias Aebischer submitted an interpellation regarding the lateral passing distance. A motion by National Council member Rocco Cattaneo followed in 2018. The Federal Council has consistently considered the current legal basis of Article 35 of the Road Traffic Act (SVG) to be sufficient. Furthermore, it described a fixed minimum distance as virtually unenforceable.
The results show: Whether an overtaking maneuver is safe must not depend on chance or the good will of individuals. We need clear rules and infrastructure that enables safe overtaking maneuvers.
A look abroad reveals clear thresholds
Internationally, Switzerland is an exception. In Austria, a 1.5‑meter distance has been required in built-up areas and a 2‑meter distance outside built-up areas since October 2022. At speeds of 30 km/h or less, the distance may be reduced. Germany has the same requirements, and Spain also mandates 1.5 meters. These regulations illustrate a fundamental principle: they link the distance to speed. This is precisely where criticism of the Swiss discretionary model comes in.
New Bicycle Traffic Rules Without a Minimum Distance
The federal government recently revised bicycle traffic laws. The Federal Council adopted the new rules in December 2024; they have been in effect since July 1, 2025. Pro Velo welcomed the general direction but criticized certain gaps. The association continues to call for a 1.5‑meter passing distance as well as a ban on passing in roundabouts. A specific threshold can, in principle, be established at the ordinance level; however, this would require a political decision by the legislature.
Infrastructure Is More Effective Than Appeals
Rules alone do not solve the problem. The study shows that wider bike lanes and physically separated bike paths demonstrably create more distance. A 30-kilometer-per-hour speed limit makes passing maneuvers less stressful and mitigates the consequences of accidents. For cities, this is the most effective practical measure. This is because infrastructure has a lasting effect, while appeals quickly fizzle out.
What Drivers and Fleet Operators Can Learn from This
In practice, three simple rules apply. First, when in doubt, wait rather than pass. Second, higher speeds require greater distance, regardless of any specific numerical requirement. Third, trucks and tractor-trailers need significantly more space due to slipstream and trailing effect. Driving schools and transportation companies should incorporate these points into their training programs. This reduces liability risk and measurably increases safety.
What did the VCS study on passing distance examine?
It measured the lateral distance between passing vehicles on major cycling routes. The University of Applied Sciences OST in Eastern Switzerland participated in the study.
How were the measurements taken?
A test bicycle equipped with an ultrasonic sensor recorded the distances over approximately 1,500 kilometers.
In which cities were the measurements taken?
In Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Köniz, Burgdorf, Sion, and Olten.
What was the average passing distance?
The average distance was 120 centimeters.
How many passing maneuvers were too close?
About eight out of ten were less than 1.5 meters. In more than a third of the cases, the distance was less than one meter.
Where is the situation most critical?
On main roads. There, 9.2 passing maneuvers per kilometer were recorded, compared to only 1.5 on secondary roads.
Is there a legal minimum distance in Switzerland?
No. Art. 34, para. 4 of the Road Traffic Act (SVG) requires a sufficient distance, while Art. 35, para. 3 of the SVG requires special consideration.
What are the consequences of passing too closely?
A traffic violation under Article 90 of the Road Traffic Act (SVG). In cases of significant danger, Article 90(2) of the SVG applies.
What rules apply abroad?
Germany and Austria require 1.5 meters in built-up areas and two meters outside built-up areas. Spain also requires 1.5 meters.
Why has the Federal Council so far rejected a fixed value?
It considered the current legal basis to be sufficient. It also saw problems with monitoring and enforcement.
What specifically is the VCS calling for?
A legally mandated minimum passing distance of 1.5 meters, as well as safe bicycle infrastructure.
According to the study, which measures are most effective?
Wider bike lanes and physically separated bike paths. A 30-kilometer-per-hour speed limit further reduces the severity of accidents.
