Financing debate: SVP demands clarity for Wiler bicycle delivery service

Financing debate: SVP demands clarity for Wiler bicycle delivery service

In current inquiries about the financing of the bicycle delivery service Via Velo and the bicycle course for migrants, SVP parliamentarian Pascal Stieger has called for a detailed investigation of the city's resources. This reports Wiler News.

The cycling course, which was launched at the suggestion of German course participants, was carried out in collaboration with Pro Velo St.Gallen-Appenzell. Five participants completed a course over three afternoons that taught them about the traffic rules and was intended to increase their safety on the roads. The city of Wil supported this integration project with a contribution from the traffic safety fund.

Financing and cost-benefit analysis

Stieger would like to receive information from the city administration about the exact use of the financial resources. He is particularly interested in what was financed, who received the money and how high the individual positions were. He also calls for an assessment of the cost-benefit ratio and wants to know whether the course will also be offered in the future and what costs are associated with it.

Another topic is the bicycle delivery service Via Velo, which was founded in April 2021 to support local businesses during the corona pandemic. This service enables citizens to have purchases weighing up to 20 kilograms delivered within the city of Wil for just 3.50 francs. The city of Wil provides 25,000 francs annually to finance the project.

Sustainability and support for local businesses

According to Tagblatt shows that the number of monthly deliveries increased from 70 in the first year to around 130 in the second year. However, it was found that the service was unlikely to survive without further financial support. The actual costs per delivery significantly exceed the price of 3.50 francs.

In addition to city funds, contributions from sponsors such as Wil Shopping and the local Raiffeisenbank are crucial for the financial basis of the delivery service. The Heimstätten Foundation takes care of providing the bicycle couriers who carry out the tours. There are currently 29 stores listed on the delivery service's website, an increase of seven stores compared to two years ago. We not only deliver to addresses in the city of Wil, but also in Bronschhofen and Rossrüti.

Stieger has called on the city council to create a transparent overview of financial support and the number of deliveries. So far there has been no response from the city, as the city parliament should first be informed.