Mountainbike und Nachhaltigkeit - passt das zusammen?

Trail use, nature conservation and economic interests in conflict – how can sustainable mountain biking be achieved in Switzerland? What does sustainability really mean in mountain biking? On 29 May, at Cycle Week in Zurich, representatives from Swiss Cycling, Swiss Hiking Trails, Pro Natura and Fairtrail will discuss ecological, social and economic perspectives – and outline pathways towards a sustainable future in Switzerland.

Born MTB Magazine will moderate the discussion – which will also be recorded as a Züritrails Antenne podcast.

Mountain biking inspires hundreds of thousands in Switzerland – as a sport, a way to experience nature and a leisure activity with growing social significance. However, this boom is also increasing pressure on trails, nature and infrastructure, which in many places were not originally designed for simultaneous use by different stakeholder groups.

The discussion therefore centres on the key questions of the sustainable development of mountain biking: How can MTB in Switzerland be made ecologically sound, socially accepted and economically viable? A key role is played by coexistence on the trails – that is, the effective coexistence of cyclists, hikers and other user groups.

The discussion will cover experiences from various cantons, as well as the question of which solutions are already working locally and where conflicts and unresolved issues remain. The focus will also be on the role of national organisations in the further development of the sport and its framework conditions.

One thing is clear: treating one another and nature with respect is a fundamental prerequisite. At the same time, ongoing debates show that issues of use, management and responsibility still need to be clarified and developed further together.

Panel participants

• Luise Rohland, Board Member of Swiss Cycling & Co-President of Züritrails
• Olivia Grimm, Head of Hiking Trails at Swiss Hiking Trails
• Andreas Boldt, Project Manager for Leisure Activities & Nature Conservation at Pro Natura
• Kevin Suhr, external project manager for Fairtrail Graubünden, project manager at ALLEGRA
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• The discussion will be moderated by Xaver Frieser, editor at BORN MTB Magazine

For interested cyclists, Züri Trail Social Rides will take place beforehand. And after the panel discussion, the bar will remain open.