ZuReach: Zurich Urban Reachability & Accessibility Enhancement Through Digital Technology

Sidewalk accessibility issues in Zurich. Photo: Hoda Allahbakhshi

What is 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.

News

5 Jan 2026

Looking for a Research Assistant (30–40%) for the ZuReach Project

We are hiring a Research Assistant (30–40%) starting March 2026 for the DIZH-funded project «ZuReach – Zurich Urban Reachability & Accessibility Enhancement through Digital Technology», led by Hoda Allahbakhshi. The project explores how digital and spatial data can improve urban accessibility for people with mobility restrictions in Zurich (and potentially Winterthur).

More about Looking for a Research Assistant (30–40%) for the ZuReach Project
15 Dec 2025

Final ZuReach Focus Group of 2025 and the Next Step in 2026

Last week, we hosted the final ZuReach event of the year online, bringing together our participants for a lively and insightful discussion.

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25 Sep 2025

The ZuReach Kickoff Meeting: A Great Exchange!

How accessible are sidewalks in Zurich for people with mobility restrictions or impairments? This was the central question we explored at the official kick-off of the ZuReach project, together with our participants! At two events on the 30th of June and the 6th of August, we were able to gather many valuable experiences and important insights.

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22 May 2025

Call for Participants

Do you use a wheelchair, walker, stroller, or sometimes navigate in the city with mobility challenges? Then, your experience matters! Take part in the ZuReach project and help shape Zurich as an accessible city for all.

More about Call for Participants

The ZuReach Team and Partners

Funded by the Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions (DIZH), ZuReach is led by researchers from the Digital Society Initiative at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with many partners.