By Chantal Panozzo

Bikers take over the roads at a SlowUp event in Switzerland

The police in Switzerland will do anything to keep their jobs. Crime rates are low, so things that would never be considered criminal in other countries get top priority here: trash procedures must be strictly observed or you may face a CFH 250 fine just for putting your bag out early, people flushing toilets after 10 p.m. may be investigated, and then there are those equally crazy people riding bikes.

A few weeks ago in Zurich, police had nothing better to do than to stop every biker and check to see if they had their “velovignette” sticker. These are registration stickers (yes, you must register your bike), available at the Migros customer service desk as well as at many sports stores and the post office. The stickers must be purchased yearly if you ride a bike in Switzerland. They only cost five francs, but if you don’t have one, the mistake could end up costing you a lot more: 40 francs.

The velovignette sticker provides the rider with liability insurance in case of a crash. It’s also supposed to make finding and returning stolen bicycles easier.  The sticker system has been in place for fifty years but for many expats, it’s a new concept.

Besides a little sticker shock, Switzerland is a great country for bikers. Most roads have marked bike paths, hundreds of mountain trails beg for attention, and from April to September, numerous SlowUp events are held throughout the country.

I’m particularly partial to SlowUp events because they allow me to see parts of the country I otherwise wouldn’t see. Every other week or so, about 30-60 kilometers of roads are closed to motor vehicles on a Sunday. Taking over the roads instead, bikers and inline skaters form a giant street party and free granola bars and apple juice are typically offered along the route.

If you’re a biker in Switzerland, where do you like to ride?

Chantal Panozzo is a writer in Switzerland who has written for a variety of publications on two continents. She’s the author of One Big Yodel, a blog about life in Switzerland and moving abroad, and also discusses living abroad as a freelancer at Writer Abroad.

Switzerland is beautiful, safe, and clean.

By Chantal Panozzo

We only came to live in Switzerland for three years. Now we’ve been here for four and are planning to stay for five. I have many friends that have also extended their stays. But why? What is it about Switzerland that makes so many expats outstay their original contracts?

One: I feel safe

I go jogging by the river. I go hiking in the woods. I take trains at midnight and walk home. And I’ve never once felt unsafe. I’ve never once felt uneasy. Switzerland just doesn’t have much crime. The police are so bored, they make it their mission to fine people for putting their garbage out too early. What a problem to have.

Two: The country is beautiful and clean

The lakes are so clean you can swim in them. The rivers too. Everything in this country sparkles—even the trash cans. You have to give the Swiss credit. They really know how to keep their little country nice. As I’m writing this, the street sweeper is just coming by. Yes.

Three: The great outdoors

Along with cleanliness, the Swiss take great pride in outdoor activities. Hiking paths are never far from your front door—whether you live in the city or not. There are thousands of kilometers or marked footpaths, bike paths, and even rollerblading paths. I know of no other country on earth that has been able to successfully integrate nature, city living, and public transportation as seamlessly as Switzerland.

Four: Public transportation

I don’t own a car and I can get to the mountain hut in the middle of nowhere. The Swiss transportation network is that good. Trains go up 3000-meter mountains. Buses take you to towns in the middle of nowhere. Cable cars meet trains where trains can’t go. And boats connect to you too. Plus, if you really want to drive, the car-sharing program is available and affordable.

Oh, Switzerland. You’re so great.

What do you love about living in Switzerland?

Chantal Panozzo is a writer in Switzerland who has written for a variety of publications on two continents. She’s the author of One Big Yodel, a blog about life in Switzerland and moving abroad, and also discusses living abroad as a freelancer at Writer Abroad.