A few questions about bikes-

Cyclists are required to have a velo-vignette on a bike that is being ridden in Switzerland, correct?

What gear is required on bikes/for bicyclists, i.e. helmets, lights, bells, etc?

What gear would be recommended equipment for bicycles? (frame-mounted pump, basket, etc)

Last, I see a lot of Zurichers covering and locking their bike seats- is "seat theft" common?

If there are existing threads to answer these, I swear I tried to find them!

search please,

Are there any mandatory items for bicycles (Bell/reflectors etc.)?


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The first link is helpful, thank you; it does answer my first question. As to the other questions, does anyone have any advice? Is it good to carry a pump with you, or can you pull into a petrol station and find an air pump like at U.S. gas stations if you get a flat?

Well, that completely and 100% depends on your bike. Does your tire valve fit on a standard auto air pump? There's several types of valves. The auto one is the most common on beginner/basic bikes, so yeah, you can pull into a gas station. But the cute little pumps that you can buy are totally worth carrying with you, just in case you don't feel like slogging up a hill to the closest gas station or are simply too far.

You can make a basic "OMG my bike just fell apart" bag and have it under your seat. You can have a bike multi-tool in there, an extra inner tube, a tire patch, along with some other items (just google "basic bike kit" and you'll find a nice list). That really is helpful if you should ever have a problem.

__________________
Floccinaucinihilipilification: act of describing something as useless.

As for gear, don't forget your helmet:

Helmets are always a good idea- especially since everybody here drives like they think they're Mario Andretti! At the cost of fuel over here, I expected everyone to drive in a more 'fuel efficient' manner. Instead, every Swiss ties a brick to his/her foot when they get into the car. Or so it seems... :-)

Also, anyone know about the last question- the 'seat theft'? Is it a big issue? Do I need to get a second lock, just for my seat?

That depends on your seat and on where you plan to leave your bike. IF it has a quick release (i.e. you can adjust the height by simply pulling a lever and lowering or hightening the saddle pen) AND you intend to leave it in a public place overnight, then, yes I would try to get a lock that you can also attach to your saddle. If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

I got my seat pinched last night - but that's another story entirely

I generally choose a lower gear for going uphills, and a higher gear for flats and downhills. YMMV.

I think mostly they hang the cable lock off the bottom of the seat and then just pull it down and lock it around the back wheel. When riding it's hanging under the seat.

Gear definitely a good idea - will stop you getting too wound up by the drivers who drive an inch off your wheel because you've allowed a 10m gap to open up between you and the car in front.