I was supposed to be running the route of the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa at the start of August, but now can't because of an injury. I'd instead like to ride it (or a close approximation) instead, but I have no idea what the rules regarding right of access are in Switzerland and Italy. This map seems like it'll do the trick, but it's not much use if I don't know which bits I'm legally allowed to ride on.
Does anyone know what the rules are? Or does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might be able to look? My Googling skills have proved insufficient. Thanks!
Je no speke (insert language)
Based on nothing more than my experiences popping across to Switzerland from home in Germany...
Swiss are warming to mtb use unlike Austria but it much depends on canton to canton regs which are not published in English. I go out and expect to be told I'm not supposed to be on a trail but being super nice often seems to work.
I spent ages reading from the following link and basically, I just get on with it and the. Don't be a dick approach covers most things. I have had most problems on lowlands around the Rhine more so than in the big hills. Most restrictions stem from an original ancient law forbidding unsuitable bikes off road... Re city style Dutch bikes here in the 50's but times changed.
Big scott nanny might be along in a bit.
https://www.englishforum.ch/sports-fitness-beauty-wellness/9793-cycling-switzerland.html
It might be worth asking on the Bearbones forum. Alpinum (Gian Liesch) is Swiss so should be able to help.
Don't know about that particular area/route (runner/hike route though so I'd expect some issues), but just doing somewhere along Col du Cou ridge run and it's marked in MTB guides and all over the place and yet popped out the end and noticed a nice no cycling sign. I got the impression it's much like UK round there where someone might have a little moan but most will just give a cheery hello or equivalent in the local lingo.
Thanks all! Apparently there is a bike version of the route - I just need to see how it correlates to a map now. Have sent a registration request for Bearbones too, so will see what that brings.
gairym on Bearbones will have some useful info too. He was developing a bike version of the Chamonix-Zermatt haute-route, and the Swiss side of the Monte Rosa tour will presumably conincide with that quite a bit.
I remember being in Switzerland and a local having a word with some walkers who were mouthing off with him. From my schoolboy French, he was saying basically everyone can go here, walkers, skiers, mountainbikers. The walker seemed to disagree but we were being led there by a reputable guide. So the best approach is probably to smile, say "Bonjour" or "guten tag" and ride on hoping for the best with little language skills.
i.e.
Je no speke (insert language)