Zurich Government Rejects Bicycle Tax Despite High Infrastructure Costs

The Zurich government council has officially rejected the introduction of a bicycle tax, despite the significant costs associated with expanding cycling infrastructure, such as new roads, tunnels, and bridges. The decision follows a report prepared in response to a citizen's initiative demanding cost-covering traffic taxes for cyclists. The council cited three primary arguments against the tax: it would contradict the strategic goal of promoting cycling over car use; there is no existing register of bicycles or their owners, making administration difficult; and enforcement would require excessive police resources due to cross-canton traffic and lack federal marking rules. While voters recently approved 350 million francs for city cycle path expansions and cantonal projects face rising costs, the government argues that a hypothetical flat rate of 10 francs would generate insufficient revenue (12 million francs) to cover these expenses. The cantonal council will now decide on the next steps for the initiative, while related federal motions are pending in Bern. The report highlights the shift in Zurich's transport policy, where bicycles are increasingly prioritized over cars.