Glarus voters approve cycle path law unchanged
Published: Sunday, May 5th 2024, 12:11
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The Glarus electorate approved the Bicycle Path Act unchanged at the cantonal assembly. However, it was a close decision. A proposal by the GLP also had many supporters.
The thrust itself was undisputed. All nine speakers at the Landsgemeinde agreed that the canton needs a safer and more attractive cycle path network. Only the implementation of this project was controversial.
Two motions call for more
The Greens called for cycling traffic to be doubled by law by 2040. "That is a utopian demand," said Andrea Bettiga (FDP), the councillor responsible. The proposal did not stand a chance before the voters.
The GLP demanded an adjustment to the implementation deadline. The network plan for cycle paths should be drawn up by 2027 and implemented by 2035. This would have shortened the federal requirements. The latter demanded network plans within five years and their implementation within 20 years.
This sporting schedule was very popular. Nevertheless, a narrow majority was in favor of the unchanged proposal from the cantonal council and government.
No dispute about coexistence
In contrast to the consultation process, there were no discussions in the "Ring" about the joint use of footpaths and hiking trails.
While other cantons are specifically aiming to separate bike and hiking trails, the Glarus Cycle Path Act now focuses on coexistence rather than separation. Currently, 87 percent of the cantonal cycle routes are also used by pedestrians.
In response to many critical voices during the consultation process, the government wrote at the beginning of November 2023 that it was aware of the potential for conflict. Good communication between the user groups was therefore necessary, for example by means of a code of conduct for hikers and cyclists.
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