In Switzerland, stealing a bicycle can often be reduced to a minor legal inconvenience, provided the perpetrator uses the right excuse. A persistent legal loophole has allowed bike thieves to avoid serious charges by claiming they merely borrowed
the vehicle to get from one point to another, leading to a push for systemic legislative reform.
Key Details
- Annual Theft Volume: 54,308 bicycles were stolen in Switzerland in 2024.
- Financial Impact: The insurance company Mobiliar paid out approximately 31 million francs for stolen two-wheelers in 2023.
- Legal Point of Contention: Article 94 of the Road Traffic Act.
- Proposed Change: Reclassifying theft for use from a contravention (Übertretung) to a felony (Vergehen).
The “Borrowing” Loophole
The current frustration among law enforcement and victims stems from Article 94 of the Road Traffic Act. Under this regulation, if a person is caught with a stolen bicycle but claims they took it simply for use—rather than for permanent ownership—the act is often treated as a minor offense. This typically results in a simple administrative fine, a leniency that many thieves actively exploit.
Lukas Reimann, a National Councilor for the SVP, has identified this as a critical gap in the law. The St. Gallen politician, who stopped owning bicycles after having his own stolen twice, argues that this loophole protects thieves who target high-value vehicles.
High-value vehicles worth several thousand francs are stolen, while perpetrators can expect only a small fine.
Lukas Reimann
According to local media reports, the common defense that a bike was found
or briefly used
is often sufficient for offenders to escape more severe criminal penalties.
A Cross-Party Push for Reform
The effort to toughen penalties has gained rare bipartisan momentum. Hasan Candan, a National Councilor for the SP, has voiced his support for Reimann’s initiative, noting that harsher sanctions are necessary to create a genuine deterrent against theft.
Reimann’s formal motion requests that the Federal Council stop classifying the appropriation of a bicycle for use as a mere contravention. Instead, he proposes it be categorized as a felony, which would allow the courts to impose effective criminal sanctions
.
The proposal now sits with Transport Minister Albert Rösti, who is required to provide a formal response to the request.
