"The current version [of the forest plan] is more restrictive than the previous legislation and prohibits biking almost everywhere in the forest," reads a letter from Trailnet Biel that is currently doing the rounds. This is followed by a call to protest against this or to submit suggestions for improvement until September 30 on the website of the Bernese Office for Forests and Natural Hazards.
The Seeland-Biel/Bienne regional forest plan divides the forest into four zones. Bike trails are only permitted in two of these: in the "increased" and "intensive" recreational use zones. Of these two categories, there are only a few splashes of color on the map of the Biel region and the Bernese Seeland bordering it to the south (user note: zoom in if the colored areas are not visible). "Many zones are so small that it is impossible to fit a trail in them. Longer, continuous singletrail routes are completely out of the question," explains Ralph Rüdisüli Laurent from Trailnet Biel.

The majority of the forest belongs to zone types in which mountain biking is only permitted on forest roads. This also corresponds to the current legal situation in the canton of Bern, which only allows cycling on sufficiently paved paths, which practically only includes forest roads. So why the fuss if everything stays the same? After all, mountain bikers in the canton of Bern have long come to terms with an extremely restrictive regulation.

The difference is that until now, trail projects could at least be submitted. If the regional forest plan becomes valid in its current form, such projects have no chance from the outset as they cannot be approved. In addition, this regulation is diametrically opposed to the popularity of mountain biking and hopeful signals from the canton of Bern. All the more so as the plan for Biel and the Seeland is a pilot for the rest of the canton. Trailnet and other committed bikers therefore fear large-scale bike bans in the rest of their home canton too. They are convinced: it's not just about Biel.

"We now know that steering only works if there are attractive offers. If you make this impossible, bikers will continue to ride wherever they want," predicts Ralph Rüdisüli Laurent. The plan is therefore not only bad for mountain bikers, but bad for everyone.

Criticism from mountain bikers was barely heard

Trailnet was invited to comment on the first version of the regional forest plan in spring 2022. The organization, which has built various trails in the canton of Bern and has been operating them for many years, did just that. "Minimal corrections were then made and the zones of increased recreational use around the city of Biel were marginally enlarged. Those responsible did not respond to our fundamental criticism," complains Rüdisüli Laurent. Forestry experts had provided the basis for how much space could be given to mountain biking and the canton had justified the regulation, he continues.

Silvio Schmid from the Office for Forests and Natural Hazards sees the regional forest plan in a completely different light. "With the zones of increased and intensive recreational use, we have the opportunity to approve bike trails. This is almost impossible with the current legal situation." Schmid admits in an interview with Ride that there are only a few such zones. In the other zones, which make up the vast majority of the area, the legal situation is the same as before. "The forest plan is therefore not a worsening of the situation for mountain biking," he says, reflecting the position of the administration. Incidentally, it is also possible to adjust the zone boundaries after the regional forest plan has been adopted, if it is revised, Schmid leaves the door open.

Rüdisüli Laurent and Trailnet hope that many people will take part in the consultation process at the last minute. Anyone who is "affected by the Seeland-Biel/Bienne regional forest plan" can take part. Residency in this region is not a prerequisite. This means that all mountain bikers who want to have fun in the Biel area at some point are also affected. Or who sympathize with their sports friends.