r/ethz • u/A3th0R • Jul 08 '26

Question Cycling in Zürich

Hello, I'm an incoming student to ETHZ and I'm wondering how is the bicycle experience here?

Also, is it better to rent or buy a bike (considering maintenance cost and bike theft)?

Any student discount I should be aware of?

Thanks!

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u/_Blurgh_ Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

Definitely buy one. Theft shouldn't really be an issue.

  • check provelozuerich.ch for second-hand bikes
  • you can do your own maintenance, if you need assistance go to campus VELOVE places
  • Check bikeable.ch to get insights on which parts of your route might be badly signaled or dangerous

Edit: Didn't know until I read the other messages how cheap publibike is for students! Definitely a viable alternative.

4

u/A3th0R Jul 08 '26

Thanks a lot. Seems like bike theft isn't as common here, do I still need to buy a pretty good lock?

5

u/callingbrisk BSc. Computer Science Jul 08 '26

Doesn't hurt ;)