Switzerland sees surge in novice motorcycle accidents as regulations face review

Switzerland is grappling with a significant increase in accidents involving novice motorcyclists, with incidents doubling since 2021. This surge coincides with a regulatory change that permits minors to operate 125cc motorcycles even before they have undertaken formal driving lessons.

The rising accident rate has prompted political discussions about potential regulatory adjustments. Meanwhile, young riders like 24-year-old Senad Mustafi express a strong desire for the freedom and exhilaration associated with motorcycling, describing it as "feeling the wind in my face."

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Boah, heiss!

These aspirations are being channeled through mandatory basic courses, such as the one described taking place on a sunny Saturday afternoon in an industrial area of Aarau. The course, led by instructor Michael Küpfer of Blink, Switzerland's largest driving school, focuses on the critical balance between the thrill of riding and the necessity of safety.

Küpfer stresses the importance of proper protective gear, warning that "grazes don't just look bad, but insurance won't cover it if you have an accident without the right protective clothing." The curriculum covers fundamental skills like starting, braking, maintaining distance, and ensuring the motorcycle is in proper working order, all while underscoring that motorcycling carries a significantly higher accident risk, 60 times that of cars.

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Leider nein.