Particle physics is all about data, but so too is mobility at CERN. The data shows that we feel strongly about how we get to work and how we get around the CERN sites – on foot, by car, bike, shuttle and more. We see this in the large number of responses to CERN mobility surveys over the last decade. Interesting trends are emerging, and the Site and Civil Engineering (SCE) department is responding to them within CERN and in collaboration with our Host States.

Mobility masterplan

CERN’s first CERN mobility survey was conducted in 2014 following a request by Geneva’s Office cantonal des transports (OCT) that Geneva-based international organisations survey their populations about travel habits. This led to a joint mobility plan, drawn up between international organisations, the State of Geneva and the Swiss Mission, which included raising awareness about mobility issues. The launch of CERN’s first mobility survey marked the beginning of the mobility adventure and of concrete plans to improve parking management, communication and infrastructure.

CERN’s mobility plan was updated in 2024 to include action on motorised transportation, alternative mobility and accessibility, with a strong focus on sustainability. For the many new initiatives, SCE has taken the particle physics approach: we conduct a pilot, we test and analyse data, and then we go with the best solution. This has seen us step up efforts to support soft mobility across the CERN sites: increasing the bike fleet to 600, gradually installing more bike shelters, setting up bike repair points and charging points for e-bikes, and many more as explained in detail at the recent SCE seminar.

Host State collaboration

Our mobility plan has also seen CERN work closely with the French and Swiss authorities to improve mobility in the areas surrounding the CERN sites. CERN played a decisive role in the planning and construction of the Route de l’Europe cycle path linking the Meyrin and Prévessin sites. Improvements to cycle paths around Meyrin Entrance A and the Prévessin entrance are under development and are expected later this year.

Public transport has continued to be reinforced over the years, with more frequent buses and trams. This is set to continue to improve in the years to come. 

Sustainable transport

In September 2025, the SCE department will be launching a Mobility Week for the CERN community with the aim of encouraging alternative, sustainable transport through challenges, games and prizes (more details to come).

In the meantime, mobility survey data shows that bicycle use at CERN increased by 8% between 2017 and 2023. With spring now beginning and thousands of bicycle parking spaces available across the CERN sites, it’s time to get ready for this year’s Bike2Work challenge in May and June – let’s see if we can beat last year’s records.