Real Possibilities

October 12-18, 2015

Livability in a Swiss village

By Nan Selz
State President AARP Arkansas

AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns and cities to become great places for people of all ages to live.

Because I have family there, I frequently spend time in Zug, a small Swiss town with a population of about 27,000 situated on a lake surrounded by huge mountains. Although its 13th century Old Town (Altstadt) features cobblestone streets, Zug is a great example of a livable community.

Getting Around: There are sidewalks and walking paths throughout Zug making it possible to go everywhere on foot. Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way, crossings are clearly marked, and signals provide safe crossing in high traffic areas. Sidewalks and paths are accessible, and people with strollers and assistive walking devices can easily navigate them.

Zuggers ride bicycles everywhere and they are provided special lanes on the busiest streets. A great many Zuggers commute by bicycle so there are accommodations for parking bikes everywhere. The cyclists and the walkers come in all ages. I saw many who were near my own, somewhat advanced, age walking and cycling uphill vigorously. This may account for the fact that most Zuggers look incredibly fit and healthy.

Public transportation is ever-present and easy to use. Buses run frequently and on-time to all parts of town. They are clean, comfortable, affordable and accessible. Traveling by train to surrounding towns and throughout Switzerland is also convenient. Like the buses, they run frequently and on schedule, and they are also clean, comfortable, affordable and accessible.

Density and Zoning: Most single-family homes in Zug are small and neighborhoods are compact. Parks and playgrounds abound and it is not unusual to pass an orchard or a field of grazing cattle right below a large apartment complex. Mixed use is common in the city center as well with commercial and residential spaces sharing the same buildings.

Respect for the Environment: The Swiss are extremely conscious of the need to protect and preserve their pristine environment. Recycling has been raised to an art with strict laws against violators. One hardly ever sees litter or graffiti, perhaps because fines for littering are enormous. Streets and sidewalks are scrupulously clean and even public restrooms are kept spotless.

Switzerland has some of the strictest laws regarding vehicle emissions in the world. Before a motorized vehicle (car, motorbike, etc.) can be registered in Switzerland, it must undergo a technical inspection. All vehicles must have a technical inspection four years after they first go on the road and every three years thereafter until they are seven. Vehicles seven years and older must be tested every two years.

Green Spaces: Parks, plazas and playgrounds abound in Zug. All public spaces are well maintained, litter-free and heavily utilized. In addition to the parks and wooded trails throughout the town, many streets are tree-lined and there are landscaping requirements for new construction. There are trash containers and public benches along all the streets and trails, encouraging Zuggers to spend time outdoors, enjoy the pristine environment and to keep it clean.