E-Bike Rule Changes; Mask Wearing Rules Clarified; New Bus Charging Station Planned For Kleinhuningen

News For 5 April 2022

In case you haven't been keeping up on road regulations for E-Bikes, new rules took effect late last week.  As of April 1st, E-bikes must all be fitted with front headlights even during the daytime.  At night, both front and tail-lights are compulsory.  The new rules are meant to increase the visibility, and safety of the bicycle and its rider.  Those without lights risk being pulled over and fined CHF 20 for each offence.  There are also new rules for E-Bikes that move faster or slower than 25 kph while being driven using the motor.  In 2024, fast bikes will have to be sold with a speedometer to help drivers observe the speed limit.  In addition, fast bikes will be required to register and display a yellow license plate.  Drivers of fast E-Bikes will also be required to possess an 'M' operator license.  "Slow" E-Bikes can only be operated by those over 14 years of age on public roads and will need to have an 'M' operator license. 

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As of April 1, Federal Health Guidelines mandating mask-wearing in public were dropped.  However, the Swiss Federal Council also advised that Cantons were free to impose stricter measures or exempt institutions based on local conditions.  This may have left Baselers a bit confused about mask wearing protocols.  The cantons of Basel Stadt, Basel Land, Zurich, Bern, Geneva and a few others still maintained mask-wearing requirements at health institutions (like hospitals) where sick people congregate.  Public transportation, like trams and buses, also requires mask wearing.  Travelling internationally will also typically require the rider to wear a mask, as the rules are aligned to the requirements in effect at the destination.

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The BVB, having committed to electrify its entire fleet of buses, is now also having to add charging stations to keep the fleet running.  In order to accomodate buses on longer routes, a charging station is being added in the Kleinhuningen Tram stop, under which a garage-style station will be burrowed out.  The planned construction starts later this month and will last until February 2023, and traffic at nearby Hochbergerplatz will be detoured around the construction area.