slowUp Ticino 2026: April 19 for a car-free day

Context

TL;DR

• 50 km of car-free roads between Locarno and Bellinzona
• Event on Sunday, 19 April 2026, 10:00-17:00
• Pedestrians, cyclists, and non-motorized vehicles only
• 18 themed stops with activities and local food

Key facts

• Event Name: SlowUp Ticino 2026
• Date: Sunday, 19 April 2026
• Time: 10:00 to 17:00
• Route Length: 50 kilometres
• Route: Locarno to Bellinzona
• Municipalities: Locarno, Muralto, Minusio, Tenero-Contra, Gordola, Cugnasco-Gerra, Cadenazzo, Sant’Antonino, Camorino, Bellinzona
• Construction Exception: Minusio, red path affected by construction work
• Public Transport: Free on SBB CFF FFS trains within Ticino on the day

SlowUp Ticino returns, the annual event that transforms 50 kilometres of roads between Locarno and Bellinzona into a dedicated artery for pedestrians, cyclists and non-motorized vehicles. The event is scheduled for Sunday, 19 April 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00, along the route passing through the municipalities of Locarno, Muralto, Minusio, Tenero-Contra, Gordola, Cugnasco-Gerra, Cadenazzo, Sant’Antonino, Camorino and Bellinzona.

The initiative, promoted by local organizers and supported by sports and recreational associations, is part of the first edition of the 2026 season of the 18 slowUp events held across Switzerland. The motto chosen for the Ticino edition is clear: ‘Live a car-free day’, with the aim of promoting slow mobility, movement and the discovery of the local area.

The route and new features

The route, identical to previous editions, will be fully closed to motorized traffic, allowing participants to move freely—respecting the direction of travel—on foot, by bicycle, rollerblades or other non-motorized means. You can choose to cover the entire itinerary or just a section, entering and exiting at any point. The only exception is in Minusio, where the red path will be affected by construction work, causing lane restrictions. Organizers urge participants to pay close attention to avoid congestion and delays, particularly near the construction area.

📊 > Important: Construction may cause temporary delays. Plan your route accordingly and follow signage carefully.

Entertainment and stops along the route

Along the 50 km of road, participants will find 18 themed stops offering animation, food and entertainment, primarily managed by local associations. Highlights for 2026 include a miniature railway, bouncy castles, farm activities, horseback rides, magic shows, vehicle exhibitions (Firefighters and Rega), tennis, live music, Guggen performances and much more. There will also be ‘farm stops’, with exceptional openings at local farms such as Aerni (Piano di Magadino), Scuderia Resinelli - Progero (Gudo) and Ponzio (Sant’Antonino), where visitors can enjoy tastings and guided tours.

Operational details

For cross-border workers and Ticino residents, slowUp offers a unique chance to experience the region in a different way: free from daily traffic pressures and with the opportunity to uncover hidden gems between Locarno and Bellinzona. The event aligns with a broader push for sustainable mobility, which in recent years has seen growing interest in alternatives to private cars—especially in a region like Ticino, where cross-border commuting is widespread.

Before vs after: what changes for participants

Before slowUp, those who commute daily between Italy and Switzerland plan their journeys around peak hours, carefully navigating queues on the A2 or public transport delays. On Sunday, 19 April 2026, however, the entire stretch between Locarno and Bellinzona becomes a living lab for slow mobility. For those living in Lombardy and working in Ticino, this means stepping away from personal vehicles and exploring alternative routes—perhaps even discovering new ways to access Ticino’s urban centres.

Practical scenarios: how to plan your visit

Participants have several options to choose from:

• Full route: 50 km from Locarno to Bellinzona, with stops along the way to refresh or eat.
• Partial sections: select just one segment, such as from Gordola to Cadenazzo, to avoid the busiest areas.
• Arrival by train: use the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) or regional lines to reach Locarno or Bellinzona, then access the slowUp route. Locarno and Bellinzona stations will serve as ideal starting points.

A key consideration is luggage or shopping. Since vehicles—including cars and motorcycles—will be excluded, those needing to transport bulky items should plan ahead, perhaps relying on home delivery services or local shops along the route, which will remain open for the occasion.

Comparison with similar initiatives

Unlike events like ‘car-free Sundays’ in other Swiss or Italian regions, slowUp Ticino stands out for its continuous route and variety of activities. While other cities limit traffic closures to a few hours or specific zones, here the entire stretch between Locarno and Bellinzona remains motor-vehicle-free for seven consecutive hours, creating an immersive experience in gentle mobility.

Details to keep in mind: what to bring

Organisers recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing water, snacks, and sun protection—especially in open areas. For families with children, inflatable play areas and activities are planned, but it’s advisable to check availability at each stop in advance.

📊 Key info - Date: Sunday, 19 April 2026 - Route: Locarno to Bellinzona (50 km) - Duration: 7 hours (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) - Access: Free, open to all ages - Public transport: Free on SBB CFF FFS trains within Ticino on the day

⚠️ Important notes - No motor vehicles allowed on the route (including e-bikes and scooters) - Bicycles and pedestrians only - No parking available along the route—use designated areas outside the closed sections

Recommended tools

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Key points

Taking part in slowUp Ticino 2026 is straightforward, but it requires a bit of planning to make the most of the day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re fully prepared.

1. Plan your arrival on the route

If you’re coming from outside Canton Ticino, consider taking the train: Locarno and Bellinzona stations are directly connected to Milan, Como, and other Lombard cities. From there, you can access the slowUp route on foot or by bicycle.

Practical tip: Check train schedules in advance, as some services may be adjusted for the event.

2. Choose your access point

The route is accessible from any point. If you’re starting from Locarno, you can begin your adventure at Piazza Grande or the Lido. If you prefer Bellinzona, the natural starting point is near the FFS train station.

3. Prepare for internal travel

Since cars and motorcycles won’t be allowed, bring only what you can carry by hand or on your bicycle. If you need to transport heavy items, consider renting a small cart or arranging delivery to one of the rest stops.

4. Check out agricultural stops and activities

Before you set off, consult the official event map (available on the organizers’ website) to identify the agricultural stops and activities that interest you. Some, like tastings, may require advance booking.

5. Plan your return trip

If you’re arriving by train, make sure you have your return ticket. If you’re cycling, check for secure bike parking at train stations, where you can safely leave your bicycle.

Tools to help you organize

For those looking to plan their day in detail, the organizers’ website provides an interactive map of the route with all the stops and activities. You can also download the slowUp app to receive real-time updates on stops and any changes to the route.

📊 Where to find the map and app: Official slowUp Ticino website

What to do if you’re a cross-border worker

If you work in Ticino but live in Lombardy, slowUp is a great opportunity to reduce car use and try alternative routes. For example, you could take the train to Locarno or Bellinzona and then explore the route on foot or by bike, perhaps combining the day with a visit to the historic centers or local markets.

💡 Tip: If you need to rent a bicycle, several local companies offer bike-sharing services for the event. Check availability and costs directly on the organizers’ website.

Source: ticinonews.ch