PedestrianSwitzerland

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.


90. Pedestrian

A pedestrian is a person travelling on foot along or across a road, street, path or other public space. Depending on local traffic law, people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other small devices may also be treated as pedestrians.

Pedestrians normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths and pedestrian areas where these are available. When crossing a road or walking where no suitable pedestrian facility exists, they must follow the applicable crossing rules, traffic lights and other local traffic regulations.

Pedestrian
Pedestrian prohibition sign on Route du Val-d'Arve. (Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a pedestrian?

A pedestrian is primarily a person travelling on foot. Local traffic laws may also treat people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other devices as pedestrians.

Where should pedestrians normally walk?

Pedestrians should normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths or other areas provided for pedestrians. Where these are unavailable, local rules determine where pedestrians may walk on or beside the road.

Which side of the road should pedestrians walk on when there is no pavement?

This depends on the country's traffic rules. Many countries require or recommend pedestrians to face approaching traffic, but the exact rule varies.

Where should pedestrians cross a road?

Use a pedestrian crossing, traffic-light-controlled crossing or other designated crossing where required or reasonably available. Where crossing elsewhere is permitted, choose a location with good visibility and cross carefully.

Do pedestrians always have priority at a pedestrian crossing?

The exact priority rule varies between countries. Drivers are commonly required to give way to pedestrians using or entering designated crossings, but pedestrians must still obey traffic lights and avoid entering the road dangerously.

Must pedestrians obey traffic lights?

Yes. Where pedestrian signals are provided, pedestrians must follow their indications and should not enter the roadway while the signal prohibits crossing.

Is someone pushing a bicycle a pedestrian?

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks beside a bicycle is treated as a pedestrian. The precise legal classification depends on local law.

Can pedestrians use a cycle path?

This depends on the road layout and local rules. Pedestrians may sometimes use a cycle path when no suitable pedestrian facility is available, but they must not unnecessarily obstruct cyclists or other authorised users.

Do turning vehicles have to watch for pedestrians?

Yes. Drivers turning into another road must watch carefully for pedestrians crossing the road they are entering and give way where required by local traffic law.

What should pedestrians do before crossing a road?

Check carefully for approaching traffic from all relevant directions, make sure there is sufficient time and distance to cross safely, and continue to observe traffic while crossing.

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 ...