Lucerne’s car-free Bahnhofstrasse sparks complaints over shared space

Conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians have increased on Lucerne’s newly car-free Bahnhofstrasse since it reopened in May 2026, SRF reports. The street was redesigned as a place to meet and linger, but its new traffic arrangement has drawn complaints.

The Bahnhofstrasse runs from the station square along the Reuss river and past the Jesuit Church. Lucerne residents approved its redesign and removal of car traffic about 13 years ago. The street is also part of a national cycle route, and planners intended to give cyclists more room once cars were removed.

The redesign cost 8.5 million francs. Part of the street is now covered with gravel and planted with additional trees, while cyclists were expected to use the asphalt. But pedestrians often walk on the asphalt too. A regular market trader said e-bikes in particular often exceed the 20-kilometre-per-hour limit, and warned that a serious accident could happen.

“I don’t feel comfortable on a bike or as a pedestrian,” said Janine Bürkli, who uses the street both ways. She called for a clear separation. Lucerne mobility director Marco Baumann said the city had expected feedback but was surprised by how strong it had been. The issue has been discussed in both the city and cantonal parliaments.

Pedestrians have priority in the shared zone, said Sibylle Lehmann, the city’s co-head of mobility, but everyone is expected to show consideration. The city plans to make cyclists’ routes clearer and rearrange bicycle parking, some of which occupies the gravel strip. Lehmann said it can take up to 12 months for people to adjust to new infrastructure.