General Information » Getting Around » Bicycle

Geneva boasts an extensive network of cycle lanes and signposted itineraries. You can cover a lot more ground on a bike than on foot, so it’s a healthy and ecological way of discovering the sights and appreciating the lovely scenery of Geneva and its surrounding countryside. Just a short bike ride from the city will find you in the countryside amongst the vineyards, forests, fields and charming villages, many of which have an in or tavern (‘auberge’) where you can stop for lunch or refreshments.

All privately owned bicycles have to have third party liability insurance. Bike owners must display a sticker (‘vignette’), which indicates they have paid the grand insurance sum of SFr 6 per year. These vignettes can be bought from the post office.

Bikes can be borrowed free of charge for the day from several locations, such as Place de Montbrillant, Bains des Pâquis, Place du Rhône and Plaine de Plainpalais. These are open seven days a week from May to October, but close on Sundays during the winter months (November to April). To rent a bike all you need is a valid identity card and a cash deposit of SFr 50. Bikes must be returned on the same day. Place de Monbrillant offers rentals for longer periods at a very reasonable price.

The environmental organisation, ATE, has produced a cycle map for the canton of Geneva. You can find it in bookshops for SFr 26.80. Alternatively, pick up free maps and itineraries from the tourism information centre on the Pont de la Machine. If you wish to venture further, log on to www.cycling-in-switzerland.ch and browse the nine official cycle routes that run through the different parts of Switzerland. One particular 309 km route starts in Andermatt and follows the Rhône all the way to Geneva, taking you through breathtaking Alpine scenery.