Bern debates reinstating bike station cameras after theft surge and privacy backlash
Bern's five bicycle parking stations near the main train station have been without video surveillance since 2023. The cameras were switched off over data protection concerns, despite rising thefts and complaints. Now, the city council is considering whether to bring them back under stricter rules.
Before 2023, the bike parking stations—known locally as Velostationen—used 24/7 video monitoring to deter theft. But the system lacked proper legal approval, leading to its shutdown. Since then, the city has relied more on staff, security patrols, and cleaning crews to oversee the facilities.
The absence of cameras has coincided with a sharp increase in thefts and public complaints. In response, the municipal council has proposed reintroducing surveillance, this time with clearer legal guidelines. Recordings would be kept for 30 days, but only outside staffed hours. Political divisions have emerged over the issue. The GB/JA faction opposes video recording entirely, while the SP/Juso group recently removed the topic from the agenda, citing procedural violations in their own proposals. Despite this, a vote of 35 to 14 passed a motion to keep the debate alive. Bern's City Council will now decide whether to approve the cameras' return, balancing crime prevention with privacy concerns.
If approved, the new system would store footage for a limited time and operate only when staff are absent. The decision aims to address the rise in thefts while ensuring compliance with data protection laws. A final ruling from the city council is expected in the coming months.
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