FootpathSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


8. Footpath

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrian traffic. It may run alongside a road, through a park or residential area, or independently from roads used by motor vehicles.

A footpath may be reserved exclusively for pedestrians or may form part of a shared route with cyclists or other permitted users. Access, priority and permitted users depend on the traffic signs and local regulations applying to the path.

Footpath
A path for pedestrians. (Genève, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What does Switzerland’s blue circular pedestrian-path sign mean?

It marks a Fussweg in German or chemin pour piétons in French, a path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the indicated path. Signs showing both pedestrians and bicycles identify a different facility, which may be shared or divided into separate parts.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OCR Art 41(4); OSR Art 33(2): child cycling and pedestrian paths

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OCR Art 41(4); OSR Art 33(2): child cycling and pedestrian paths

Mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign 2.61 • Footpath.

Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 2.61 • Fussweg.

Français • Signal 2.61 • Chemin pour piétons.

Italiano • Segnale 2.61 • Strada pedonale.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)

🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)

🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 2.61, PDF page 110. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.

Can children cycle on Swiss pavements and pedestrian paths?

Children under 12 may use pavements and pedestrian paths when no cycle path or cycle lane is available. They must adapt their riding and speed to the circumstances, take particular care of pedestrians and give them priority.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OCR Art 41(4); OSR Art 33(2): child cycling and pedestrian paths

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OCR Art 41(4); OSR Art 33(2): child cycling and pedestrian paths

May an adult cycle on a Swiss pavement merely to accompany a child?

No. The under-12 exception does not extend to an accompanying adult. The adult must use a lawful cycling route or walk with the bicycle. Separate signed cycling permission, if present, must be assessed on its own terms.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OCR Art 41(4); OSR Art 33(2): child cycling and pedestrian paths

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OCR Art 41(4); OSR Art 33(2): child cycling and pedestrian paths

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...