Zurich 2025
Cycling Hack Zurich 2025 - Turning Interest into Action – Getting Hesitant Cyclists on the Road
Theme
Turning Interest into Action – Getting Hesitant Cyclists on the Road
Studies show that two-thirds of the population are interested in cycling but hesitate due to safety concerns or other practical barriers. How can we help these hesitant, yet enthusiastic individuals overcome their doubts and embrace cycling as a safe, accessible, and enjoyable mode of transportation in Zurich?
Mission
Teams will have one week to develop innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions specifically designed to help hesitant cyclists confidently take their “first ride” and continue cycling regularly.
Solution Requirements
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Realistic and Scalable – Easily implemented in Zurich 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
October 22, 2025
Welcome & Presentation of Challenge, Rules, and Jury
Theme Presentation
Networking Apéro riche
October 29, 2025
Team Pitches
Jury deliberation
Award ceremony
Networking Apéro riche
Location
Amazon Web Services Zürich
Amazon Web Services Zürich Mythenquai 10 8002 Zürich Switzerland
Jury Members
Urs Walter
Specialist responsible for bicycle traffic at the Federal Roads Office ASTRA
Steve Coucheman
Head of Bicycle Traffic Department, Canton of Zurich
David Durner
Bicycle Safety Project Manager, City of Zurich
Andreas Schumacher
Managing Director at FVS
Catherine Elliot
Project Coordinator E-bike City, ETH Zürich
Prizes
1st Place
CHF 3'000
2nd Place
CHF 2'000
3rd Place
CHF 1'000
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
A Note on Winning
Having a winning idea is just the beginning. Persistence and determination are key—so even if your team doesn’t win an official prize, keep believing in your idea and making valuable connections. We’re not the experts on which idea will ultimately succeed—only you can make that happen through perseverance. Use this event as your platform to meet inspiring individuals and potential investors who can help bring your vision to life.
Resources
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 (22 October 2025): Bring your enthusiasm! You can join with a pre-formed team or come alone and we’ll help you find teammates.
Final Presentation (29 October 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 German.
Key Information
Important Dates
- Registration Deadline: September 15, 2025
- Project Submission: October 1, 2025
Requirements
- Teams of 2–4 people
- Must use provided API
- Projects must be open source
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 German.
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.
Ready to Participate?
Join us for this exciting event and help shape the future of cycling!
Register Now