ZuReach

ZuReach is a participatory research project dedicated to improving urban accessibility, particularly for people with mobility restrictions. The project aims to provide a scalable and regularly updated database containing comprehensive sidewalk accessibility information in Zurich. This initiative also plays a pivotal role in advancing digital methods and tools to identify, analyze, and address barriers in the urban environment, thus offering practical solutions for individuals with mobility restrictions. As a result, it holds the potential to make a profound impact across various domains, including social, scientific, political, economic, and environmental arenas.

The project builds on the participatory ZuriACT: Zurich Accessible City project, which enriched sidewalk accessibility data in Zurich’s District 1 between April 2023 and May 2024 and was awarded the Swiss Smart City Hub Award 2024 in the Citizen Services category. With the support of members of public, ZuReach aims to scale insights and solutions citywide, integrating stakeholder perspectives and advancing Zurich as an inclusive city for all to generate real societal impact.