Safety risks – Road Safety
We all use the same roads: it's all about respect.
Thousands of us use the CERN roads every day. With the variety of modes of transport; motorbikes, (e-)bicyles and (e-)scooters joining cars and pedestrians on the network, we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe.
Each of us has a duty to look out for other road users and take appropriate actions to limit the chances of an accident, before one occurs. Likewise when reacting to adverse weather or driving in the hours of darkness; we should take additional care, especially to see and be seen.
If you witness an accident, near miss, or even a dangerous situation. Complete an incident declaration to help us track high-risk areas and improve CERN's infrastructure.
It is our obligation to make sure everybody makes it home safely, every day. It’s not only Safety first. It’s Safety always.
In case of emergency or incident, call the CERN Fire & Rescue Service on +41 22 76 74444 .
If you are the victim of or are a witness to an accident, near-miss, or even a dangerous situation, complete an incident declaration within 24 hours to help us track high-risk areas and improve CERN's roads.
Use the menu below to see the latest road safety informaton relevant to you.
Rules on CERN roads
Everybody must follow the French and Swiss highway codes on the respective French and Swiss areas of the site, in the same way as outside CERN.
In particular, everyone using the road must manage their speed appropriately, respect right of way including pedestrian and cycle paths, and be mindful of other users at all junctions and crossings.
Speed on site
The general speed limit on the CERN sites is 50 km/h. Pedagogical speed radars are deployed in the most accident-prone areas of the domain. If you see one: you are in a speed accident hotspot.
The speed limit reduces to 30 km/h in some key areas for your safety. These are clearly signposted and must be respected.
Accidents & Reporting Incidents
In case of an accident on CERN roads:
- Call the CERN Fire & Rescue Service on +41 22 76 74444
- Complete an incident declaration within 24 hours of the event.
In case of an accident on public roads off CERN site:
- Call 112 for the emergency services
- If commuting or driving between sites, complete an incident declaration within 24 hours of the event.
In 2022 and 2023, there were 187 road safety incidents reported on the CERN sites. This number is probably greater in reality as not all incidents are reported.
Of the reported incidents, 84 involved bicycles and 28 resulted in an injury. The graphic below shows further details. Whether you are a victim or a witness, it is very important to report any event or near miss, no matter how minor (see below).
The analysis of traffic incidents shows that the most common causes are lack of attention or lack of respect for other road users. Among the 84 cycling incidents, 34 were linked to vehicles not giving way. Drivers must check twice for cyclists, and cyclists should try to make eye contact with drivers at junctions wherever possible.
Exercising caution around more vulnerable road users, acting before problems arise, and showing mutual respect to all road users is the cornerstone of road safety.
It is a given that mobile phones are not used when driving, and that all road users are vigilant and in control of their vehicle at all times.
| Reporting accidents and incidents or near-misses: don't hesitate! |
| Reporting accidents are vital for the continued improvement of CERN's campus in terms of mobility and road safety. |
| If you are the victim or witness of an accident or near-miss, inside or outside the CERN site, report it promptly using the Incident Declaration Form (EDH). |
These measures are in place to protect everyone on the road. By respecting these guidelines, we contribute to a safer environment for our colleagues, local community members, and ourselves. Your attention to and respect of these traffic rules, especially in winter conditions, are highly appreciated.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Information for Drivers
Parking
Park in designated spaces only.
Parking outside authorised areas creates dangerous situations by interrupting visibility, reducing manoeuvrability, or diverting the paths of other users (whether in heavy vehicles, cars, bicycles, or on foot).
Reverse parking is reccomended (and compulsory in some areas)
In the event of a site evacuation, vehicles must exit the CERN domain rapidly. Reverse parking is therefore strongly recommended wherever possible for safety reasons.
An increasing number of car park spaces are designed for reverse parking to avoid accidents and keep traffic flowing safely. Reversing out of a parking space can be dangerous, when it is on to a busy road or cycle path, always be vigilant in these cases.
The sign below indicates where reverse parking is compulsory.
Safe Distances & Overtaking
Overtaking vehicles is forbidden on the CERN site
Respect a safe distance of 1.5m from cyclists and pedestrians
Overtaking cyclists or pedestrians with insufficient space creates high-risk situations. Properly estimate the space to overtake a cyclist or pedestrian—or waiting until conditions are safer—helps to eliminate this type of hazardous scenario.
Winter Driving
Specific winter hazards include: ice and snow, poor visibility, darkness during working/commuting hours, and unpredictable weather. Drivers should pay extra care and attention during the winter months, especially to their speed and distancing form other road users.
Fitting winter tyres can help reduce your risk on the road during winter months, especially on icy, wet, and snowy roads. In France, winter tyres are compulsory in mountainous regions including Pays de Gex, where CERN is located. In Switzerland, winter tyres are not obligatory, but some insurance policies require them. Check the conditions of your policy.
Driving on icy, wet or snowy roads can greatly increase your braking distance. Leave extra space between yourself and other road users, and reduce your speed when road conditions are poor.
Darkness and Visibility
In winter and during dark hours, drivers should be especially vigilant for pedestrians and other road users, who may not be as visible as usual. They may also be less aware of the road conditions than you. Reduce your speed in populated areas at night, especially on approach to junctions.
At junctions, double check for cyclists or e-scooter users and try to establish eye contact with them. Remember, other road users may not be wearing high visibility or lights.
Drivers should use their running lights at all times, even during the day. Whilst at sunset, and when visibility/light is reduced due to weather conditions, headlights should be switched on.
Due care and attention
Use of a mobile phone or device whilst driving is prohibited and will not be tolerated on the CERN site.
Ensure you check twice for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users at junctions. Establish eye contact wherever possible, and reverse park for a safer exit.
Driving a CERN Vehicle
Specific rules apply to the use of CERN vehicles. Defined in operational circular no. 4. Familiarise yourself with these rules and the procedure in case of an accident before driving a CERN vehicle.
Road traffic accident hot spots
There are many driver specific hot spots, including Gates A, B, E and the Porte de France roundabout. Familiarise yourself with the common issues at these areas below, to ensure safer journeys.
Information for Cyclists
Courses: Safety and general
CERN offers an e-learning module on Bike Safety, which is available on the CERN Learning Hub. The course covers all important aspects including road safety rules, equipment and care of one's bicycle as well as safety tips. It is mandatory for anyone wanting to rent a CERN-(e)bike.
If you wish to follow a general course to improve your cycling skills, ProVelo in Geneva offers a variety of courses that you can find on this link.
Bike equipment
NOTE: the figure shows the minimum equipment you'll need for your safety on your bicycle: please refer to the mandatory/recommended bicycle equipment in France and in Switzerland (links in French)
Cycling in winter
CERN regularly experiences ice and snow on the roads during the winter. This can seriously increase the risk of an accident. Darkness and low visibility is also a common cause of accidents in the winter.
In dark hours, ensure you are wearing the appropriate high-visibility clothing. Check and use your lights. And give other road users more time to see you, especially at junctions. In Switzerland, lights and high-visibility clothing are obligatory after dark. You can recieve a fine for cycling without them.
In icy conditions, first consider other means of transport. If you must cycle, reduce your speed, especially on corners and at junctions. Leave extra distance between yourself and other road users to account for the increased braking distance. Always wear a helmet and cycle gloves. You may also consider different tyres to increase your grip.
Remember that ice may not always be visible.
Darkness
Always wear high visibility cothing when cycling after dark. Keep it in your bag or with your helmet. Lights are essential.
In switzerland, lights and high visibility clothing are required by law.
Pay additional attention to drivers at junctions, as they are less likely to see you at night.
Accident hot spots
Cycling is one of the highest-risk activities undertaken on the CERN site. Reduce your risk by always wearing the correct protective equipment above, and learning about common incidents and how to avoid them below.
There are many cycle specific hot spots, including Gates A, B, E and the Porte de France roundabout. Familiarise yourself with the common issues at these areas below, to ensure safer journeys.
Accident Hot Spots
Get to know the hazards in your area, to better anticipate others and avoid accidents.
The following are based on analysis of real accident data. Remember to report any accidents or near misses to help us better understand hotspots around site.
Click on each title to expand it:
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Services & Resources
Infrastructure and mobility services
The Site & Civil Engineering Department (SCE) is responsible for CERN's road infrastructure and mobility. Any issues with the roads or paved areas, such as repairs of potholes and pavements, and markings and signage, can be addressed to the Roads service.
The Organization has a dedicated Mobility Working Group comprising representatives of all Departments, including the HSE Unit. The group regularly reviews road infrastructure matters and recommends measures to improve all aspects of mobility at CERN, including safety. These include how to improve traffic flow, develop cycle lanes and footpaths, and ensure an optimized infrastructure for the benefit of all users, whatever their mode of transport.
Find out more about the extensive mobility services on offer on the SCE Mobility services website
Road Safety Resources
Help promote road safety in your workplace using the following materials:
General Road Safety Poster
Download the poster here.
See and be seen poster
Download the poster here.
Cycling at CERN banners (non-standard paper size!)
Download the poster here.