zurich’s Franca Magnani Bridge: Lessons from the Velotunnel for a Next-Generation Cycling Infrastructure
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Zurich is poised to embark on a significant infrastructure project – the Franca Magnani Bridge, slated for completion in 2034 – that will connect districts 4 and 5. However, a leading traffic planner warns that the success of this multi-million franc endeavor hinges on learning from the experiences of previous projects, particularly the city’s Velotunnel.
the proposed 500-meter-long bridge, estimated to cost 80 million francs, has become a focal point of discussion, partly due to the potential demolition of the Yonex hall to make way for its construction. According to a widely acclaimed report by ETH Professor Ulrich Weidmann, the bridge has been prioritized as a key infrastructure project, potentially surpassing the bicycle tunnel in scale as Zurich’s largest bicycle infrastructure undertaking.
The city currently faces a unique situation, with major projects following closely on each other’s heels. Both the tunnel, which runs under the main train station, and the bridge represent ample investments in cycling infrastructure, demanding careful consideration and a commitment to best practices.
The Velotunnel: A Cautionary Tale
While the Velotunnel is undeniably a functional route for cyclists, it has drawn criticism for its design. As urban developer Thomas Hug-Di Lena points out, cycling through it feels like navigating a “functional tube” rather than a thoughtfully designed space. He observes that even the markings resemble those found in car infrastructure, rather than catering to cyclists.
Hug-Di Lena argues that the Franca Magnani Bridge should be approached with greater ambition. A structure of this magnitude represents not just transport infrastructure, but a significant piece of urban construction. Instead of prioritizing demolition, the city should explore elegant integration of ramps, creating a space that invests in both mobility and quality of life. The visualizations of the bridge are promising, but the potential demolition of the Yonex hall raises concerns. The example of the Daphne Schippers Bridge in Utrecht, where a ramp is integrated into the roof of a school building, offers a compelling alternative.
Prioritizing openness in Public Spaces
A common critique of the Velotunnel is its unsettling atmosphere,particularly at night.The long stretches of bare concrete walls create a sense of isolation and insecurity. A lack of visibility and “life” contributes to a feeling of being enclosed.
The Franca Magnani Bridge, positioned above the city, offers a stark contrast – a bright, visible, and inherently public space. It’s crucial to capitalize on these qualities, designing a structure that conveys a sense of welcome. The bicycle underpass in Winterthur, which prioritized visibility and sightlines, provides a valuable example of how to create a more inviting environment.
The Essential Role of Cycling Expertise
Perhaps the most critical lesson from the Velotunnel is the need for early and consistent involvement of cycling experts. Observations suggest design flaws stemming from a lack of practical input from those who actually use the infrastructure. “Some of the ideal lines don’t fit, curve radii are tight, details look as if they were designed on a drawing board by someone who wasn’t actually sitting on the bike,” Hug-Di Lena explains.
The city must establish higher standards for the bridge, ensuring that experts from the cycling industry are involved from the outset. Notably, the competition jury lacked a representative with a transport background. Their expertise isn’t merely beneficial; it’s a essential requirement for a project deserving the title of “Velobrücke.” Professor Weidmann’s report also identified the Affoltern tram as “traffic urgent,” emphasizing the need for improvements to ensure it becomes a vibrant urban space, not just a transport system. The report should not be viewed as a justification for implementing subpar projects.
The Velotunnel has demonstrated zurich’s capacity to deliver large-scale bicycle infrastructure. It’s now an indispensable part of the city. The challenge now is to prove that Zurich can build not only functionally, but also in a way that prioritizes the people who will use it.With federal co-financing secured, the city has an prospect to create a cycling infrastructure project that will define its identity. The quality of implementation, Professor Weidmann asserts, is now in the city’s hands.
