So I'm sure some of you read the Pinkbike article recently about the proposal to ban mountain biking on single trails in the Swiss Canton of Bern. Here is the article:
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Swiss-canton-of-Bern-proposes-banning-mountain-biking-2012.html
With any luck this law will not pass but if it does, it would not only make Bern a no go area for mountain bikers (a real shame as bern is a big canton covering a lot of amazing mountainous regions) but also potentially set a precedent for the rest of Switzerland.
So if you have ever had the pleasure of riding here or would like to in the future and would like to help safeguard the future use of some of the finest mountain biking terrain in the world, please take 30 seconds to sign this petition:
http://swiss-cycling.ch/fr/news/1761-online-petition-gegen-bikeverbot-im-kanton-bern-.html
I think lots of signatures from outside of Switzerland will show the authorities that passing a law like this would have a serious negative impact on tourism.
Thanks!
BUMP
Signed.
Also it lets you see the full list of signatures. The IT Bod from the UK has to be a STW'er! 😆
Done.
Love the 'Softwarentwinkler' job title - very appropriate!
Done.
A law like this already exists in Southwest Germany. Legally you can only ride trails at least 2 or 3m wide around there (basically fire roads). Really stupid. 🙄
Then again a "reasonable but not into MTB" friend suggested recently to me to have separate trails for bikes. He argued that walkers feel threatened by the big speed difference.
It would help if bikers would be a little more considerate more often.
I slow down and even dismount in doubt and it really helps. And as I don't want to do that all the time I choose less busy areas/times.
Not been to Switzerland and don't think I ever will mtbing. Surely this is something for the Swiss themselves to decide ?
Done.
Not been for years but it would be a shame to loose the freedom they have on trail access.
It would be a shame to loose the access but it's something for us all to think about when riding, be curious and considerate. The Swiss have fantastic network of walking trails which make great mtb routes but we'd be well served to remember they were never intended for bikes.
Thanks all, the petition seems to be gathering pace. Yesterday morning it was at about 400, now its nearly 7000!
Taxi25, you really should come check it out, its unbelievable 🙂 Ultimately it is obviously the Swiss that will decide whether this goes through or not as this is just a petition. However, I think its important to show you are against this proposal (if you are) as I think keeping access open for us is important to help promote mountain biking and get it more widely accepted everywhere, not just in Switzerland.
My experience is this - Many walkers, I would say 95%, are very friendly and will even move aside for you to pass (even though I and everyone I ride with always slows right down or stop). We often stop for chats and find that they are surprised and intrigued to see us riding down the stuff we do. Every once in a while you will encounter a militant walker who will swear at you in german even though you have pulled over and offer a friendly hello. These people think only they are allowed to enjoy the trails and mountains and trying to reason with them would usually be a waste of time. Sharing in a responsible manner is the key and the vaste majority of other trail users are more than willing to.
signed.
donedid.
can't see it going through, tbh. the swiss are an active lot with a large number of mtb-ers relative to population.
they might be slightly fascist, xenophobic bunch, but on the whole they're ok. and i might end up living there in a few years time if the GF decides to take up a job offer there.
The Swiss have fantastic network of walking trails which make great mtb routes but we'd be well served to remember they were never intended for bikes.
Just like the UK then.
Done.
It would be a shame to loose the access but it's something for us all to think about when riding, be curious and considerate. The Swiss have fantastic network of walking trails which make great mtb routes but we'd be well served to remember they were never intended for bikes.
I know nothing about swiss trails, but wouldn't they originally have been intended for horses, carts and other livestock
Done
Signed too.. had a brilliant trip to Zermat though did experience a Swiss hiking rolling roadblock of a stubborn family 4 abreast for 10 mins...
Done. My riding experiences around Switzerland have always been good. Walkers have always been pleased to see mountain bikers.
This needs another push to get it over 10,000 🙂
Will sign it.
Done - now 9899
Signed - fond memories of a week with Bike Verbier. No hassle from other trail users that I can recall. Hope the authorities see sense over this.
Not been to Switzerland and don't think I ever will mtbing. Surely this is something for the Swiss themselves to decide ?
What a parochial response - this affects all of us!
Please tell me I didn't just sign a contract in a place that has banned Mountain Biking? Did it go through?
No it didn't. There are discussions ongoing but for now mountain biking is not a crime.
BTW. That law only concerned Canton Bern anyway. The rest of the country is fair game... and what a lot of game there is to be had here too.
Thanks!
Yes, exactly, I'm moving to Bern in a couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to get in some rides before any madness ensues....
The proposed restrictions are only related to privately owned forest. It would be a massive blow if it went through however it's certainly not a ban on mountain biking.
Anyway, the public reaction to the proposal has been quite strongly negative. The concept of free access is strongly engrained here. Also the concept of fully localised democracy.
Good to know, thanks. Viva la Schweiz!