Geneva 2025
Cycling Hack Geneva 2025 - Turning Interest into Action – Getting Hesitant Cyclists on the Bike
Theme
Turning Interest into Action – Getting Hesitant Cyclists on the Bike
Studies show that two-thirds of the Swiss population are interested in cycling but hesitate due to safety concerns or other practical barriers. How can we help these interested but concerned individuals overcome their doubts and embrace cycling as a safe, accessible, and enjoyable mode of transportation in Geneva?
Mission
Teams will have one week to develop innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions specifically designed to help interested but concerned cyclists confidently take their “first ride” and continue cycling regularly.
Ready to Participate?
Join us for this exciting event and help shape the future of cycling!
Register now on meetup.com Register without a meetup accountSolution Requirements
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Realistic and Scalable – Easily implemented in Geneva and adaptable to various urban contexts
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User-Centered – Directly addressing the concerns, fears, and practical needs of occasional or first-time cyclists
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Inclusive and Accessible – Appealing to cyclists of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels
Areas for Exploration
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Confidence-Building Infrastructure – What low-cost infrastructure improvements (clear signage, dedicated beginner-friendly routes, easily accessible parking) could boost cyclists' confidence?
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Community Support & Social Motivation – How can peer networks, mentorship programs, or local cycling communities provide the social encouragement needed to help hesitant cyclists feel safe and supported?
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Overcoming Barriers – Which small interventions (e.g., accessible weather protection, simple maintenance tips, safety tutorials) would make cycling feel easy and feasible year-round?
Schedule
May 8, 2025
Welcome & Presentation of Challenge, Rules, and Jury
Theme Presentations
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Catherine Elliot
E-Bike City Project ETH Zurich
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Hannes Heller
movable
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Olivier Gurtner or Nataniel Mendoza
Pro Velo Genève
Networking Apéro riche
May 15, 2025
Start & Team Pitches
Jury deliberation
Award ceremony
Networking Apéro riche
Event Locations
Jury Members
Hervé Vaucher
Head of the Soft Mobility project at the Canton of Geneva
Kathrin Räss
Head of Innovation and Knowledge Management and Deputy Managing Director at Fonds für Verkehrssicherheit (FVS)
Hannes Heller
Chairman and Managing Director at bikeable
Thomas Maillart
Co-Director of Geneva Responsible Entrepreneurship Center, University of Geneva
Cédric Jeanneret
Member of the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva
Olivier Gurtner
Chairman of the Board, PRO VELO Genève
Sizhou Yang
Pro Velo Geneva, member of the technical committee
Prizes
1st Place
- Velodrome experience taster session for each team member
- CHF 1000 vouchers to share between your team at a local bike shop
- Swiss Cycling team jerseys for each team member
- 3 month Donkey Republic eBike membership subscription for each team member
- Goody bag from our partners
- Publication and media awareness for example on our websites & social media like Zurich Sports Analytics Club and Eviden
- Introduction to the Recruiting Team at Eviden AG for roles such as Software Dev or Project Manager
2nd Place
- Velodrome experience taster session for each team member
- CHF 400 vouchers to share between your team at a local bike shop
- Swiss Cycling team jerseys for each team member
- 1 month Donkey Republic eBike membership subscription for each team member
- Goody bag from our partners
- Publication and media awareness for example on our websites & social media like Zurich Sports Analytics Club and Eviden
3rd Place
- Velodrome experience taster session for each team member
- Swiss Cycling team jerseys for each team member
- Goody bag from our partners
Benefits for All Teams
- Networking with leading experts and influential figures in cycling advocacy
- Connecting with potential investors and supporters for your idea
- Enjoying a creative and collaborative environment
- Receiving exclusive goodies from our partners and sponsors
Resources
Key Information
Presentation Format
After the kick-off event, you’ll form your team and spend one week developing your idea. At the presentation event, each team will first pitch their idea in a short elevator pitch (max 2 minutes). To ensure fairness and maintain the schedule, a bell will indicate when your time is up. We’ll provide a standardized PowerPoint template to include key points for this initial round.
Following the elevator pitches, the jury will select the top 5 teams to advance to the final round. These finalists will have up to 10 minutes to present their ideas in greater detail, with full creative freedom over the format. A bell will also signal the end of your allotted time for this final presentation.
Language
The event will be conducted entirely in English. If no one on your team is fluent in English, you may present your project in French.
Technical Support
To ensure the success of your team’s idea, comprehensive support will be provided throughout the event. Early in the hackathon week, an online update meeting will be organized to ensure your project is progressing effectively. Additionally, our partner Amazon Web Services offers access to experienced solutions architects who can provide guidance and technical assistance.
FAQ
Who should attend?
Cycling enthusiasts, designers, developers, students, apprentices, policymakers, or anyone passionate about improving cycling safety and sustainability. No technical expertise is required—just creativity, motivation, and a willingness to collaborate.
How big are the team sizes?
We recommend teams of two to four people. Don’t worry if you don’t have a team yet—you can register individually, and we’ll connect you with like-minded participants during the kick-off event.
Which Technologies & Platforms can we use?
We encourage using resources such as opendata.swiss, but you’re free to select the technologies and platforms that best suit your project’s objectives.
What to bring?
Kick-Off Session (08 May 2025): Bring your enthusiasm! You can join with a pre-formed team or come alone and we’ll help you find teammates.
Final Presentation (15 May 2025): Prepare an elevator pitch (max 2 min) for the first round, and a detailed presentation (max 10 min) if selected for the final round. Ensure at least one team member brings a laptop and charger for your presentation.
What are the rules?
Please review our Code of Conduct for detailed guidelines on participation.
Can I participate remotely?
Currently, Cycling Hack is planned as an on-site event to facilitate collaboration and networking. If you have special circumstances, please reach out to our organizing team directly.
What language do we have to present our idea?
The event will be conducted entirely in English. If no one on your team is fluent in English, you may present your project in French.
What if I just want to watch?
We encourage people to be part of a team, but if you really just want to watch, please signup as well for catering purposes.
Ready to Participate?
Join us for this exciting event and help shape the future of cycling!
Register now on meetup.com Register without a meetup account