Bike festival for the opening of the city tunnel
We are celebrating a historic event with the opening of the cycle link under Zurich main station. What began around 70 years ago as an idea for a highway through the middle of the city has now been successfully completed as a safe and easy bike connection between districts 4 and 5, including free bike parking and direct access to the main train station.
The city tunnel is the result of a petition by Pro Velo Zurich from 2011. The association for the interests of cyclists will play an active role in shaping the opening ceremony - together with the cycling community.
If you want to be among the first to ride through the tunnel, meet at Lagerstrasse between 5.30 p.m. for the colorful bike parade. The parade starts at 5.45 p.m. and will be led by 50 children of primary school age.
We look forward to seeing young and old, big and small, to inaugurate the new bike tunnel together. Grab your bike - decorated with flowers or flags if you like - and ride with us in this cheerful, colorful bike parade.
The route leads from Lagerstrasse to the Langstrasse underpass, to Zollstrasse, to Konradstrasse, through the city tunnel, along Kasernenstrasse and back to Lagerstrasse. There are two laps of two kilometers each; wearing a helmet is recommended. After the bike parade, the city tunnel is officially opened and can be ridden in both directions from 6.30 p.m. - by bike only, of course.
Get a free ticket for you and your friends now. The number of places for the first two rounds is limited.
Are you of primary school age and would you like to lead the bike parade to mark the opening of the city tunnel?
If you are between 7 and 12 years old, bring your own brightly decorated bike and can ride the 4-kilometre route alone and without an accompanying person, you could be one of the 50 children at the front of the starting block of the bike parade for the opening of the city tunnel.
You and your parents agree that you will ride the parade alone (accompanying persons can join you at the back and ride along) and that pictures of the parade will be published in connection with the event.
Then get one of the 50 limited, free tickets for our kids block.
After the official ceremony at 6 p.m. and the bike parade, we will celebrate until 11 p.m. on the «Stadttunnel-Runde» with various attractions, competitions and bars. The attractions along the route have been organized by Pro Velo, supported by the City of Zurich and various bike-friendly companies.
A variety of DJs will be providing good beats on the Cycle Week site: including at the Velodisco at the City of Zurich stand, on Europaplatz in combination with spectacular street trial shows and on Gustav Gull-Platz with fascinating BMX flatland shows.
The bike parade
Thursday, May 22nd
from 17.00h
Assembly for the bike parade in Lagerstrasse
17.45h
Start of the bike parade from Lagerstrasse, 2 laps of 2 km each
from 18.30h
Free ride for all, in both directions
The bike festival
Thursday, May 22nd
17.00 - 23.00h
Attractions along the «Stadttunnel-Runde», bicycle disco at the City of Zurich stand on Kasernenstrasse, DJs on Europaplatz and Gustav-Gull-Platz
17.30 - 18.00h
Official ceremony at the City of Zurich stand on Kasernenstrasse
17.00, 19.00 and 21.00h
Street trial shows on the Europaplatz
18.30, 20.00 and 21.30h
BMX Flatland Shows on the Gustav-Gull-Platz
Why do you have to buy a ticket for the Veloparade?
Many people are looking forward to the opening of the city tunnel. To get an overview of how many people want to take part in the Veloparade for the first two laps, we have set up a simple ticketing system. The ticket is free and reserves a place at the start on Lagerstrasse.
Can I also order tickets for my friends?
Yes, that is possible. Simply enter the surname, first name and e-mail address of one person and the number of tickets you want. The e-mail address provided will not be used by Cycle Week, the City of Zurich or Pro Velo. The terms and conditions of the Eventbrite ticketing system apply.
What about the 50 places for children?
We think it's great when the front of the Veloparade is led by children of primary school age. We have reserved places for 50 children who can buy a special kids ticket. The children will be accompanied by our helpers. Accompanying adults who also want to ride with the children also buy a ticket and ride behind the children.
How does the Veloparade work? Is it a ride or a stand-up ride?
The meeting point is at 17:30 on Lagerstrasse. Our helpers will be on site from 17:00 to help with queuing so that it doesn't get too crowded and we can start slowly towards the Langstrasse tunnel at 17:45. There is a short stop before the city tunnel. At 18:00 sharp, the 50 children, followed by the rest of the parade, will ride through the city tunnel for the first time.
Do I have to dress up or bring anything special with me?
Except for your bike, you don't have to bring anything special. But if you like it colorful or fancy, you're welcome! There will certainly be lots of cool videos, pictures and drone shots taken and distributed via various channels.
What happens to the pictures from Velofest and Veloparade?
The Veloparade and Velofest are public events. By taking part, you agree that pictures in which you may be seen may be published.
What happens if someone gets lost?
There are also Cycle Week stands on Lagerstrasse. The large, inflatable Swiss Cycle column is clearly visible. We recommend this location as a meeting point.
How does the Velofest work?
The Velofest along the "Stadttunnel-Runde" from 5 pm to 11 pm is organized by Pro Velo Kanton Zürich. Under the link you will find the participating organizations. There will also be a cool bike disco at the City of Zurich stand and bike shows and cool beats on Europaplatz and Gustav-Gull-Platz.
