Biking on hiking trails: the most important rules

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Switzerland is a hiking and biking nation that gets every nature lover’s heart racing. Whether on foot or bike – more and more people are attracted to the mountains. But that doesn’t mean more space has been created. All the more reason for bikers and hikers to stick to the rules.

Cantons decide

The Federal Government leaves it to the cantons to draw up specific rules and create a signalling system. This leads to different solutions among the cantons and mu­nic­i­pal­i­ties. For example, the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden strictly dictates that mountain bikers may only use signalised bike routes, otherwise they will be fined. By contrast, tourist-liberal Graubünden says «Everyone has a right to the mountains, hence our fairtrail concept». This keeps the trails fair for everyone.

The most important rules

Daniel Schefer, managing director of the Swiss Bike School tells us what to note when biking on hiking trails (in german).

Know the rules

If you’re planning a mountain bike tour off the official mountain bike trails, it’s best to consult the can­to­nal website for in­for­ma­tion on restrictions. When in doubt, only clear signalling can provide in­for­ma­tion as to whether a trail may be used or not. Otherwise the following applies: show mutual respect and act considerately.

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