In the densely populated canton of Zug, the Zugerberg is one of the few local recreation areas. The pressure from various user groups on this small area is great, and there are still forests and nature in the middle of it that need to be protected. The frequency of use is particularly high in the forest between Zugerberg and Lake Zug, where many of the more than 7000 mountain bikers living in the canton are also out and about. Those who ride on official trails will not have any problems with the forestry service or police in the future. Downhillers, however, who have built their own facilities due to a lack of suitable sports infrastructure, will have to be careful.

The illegally built downhill trails around the Zugerbergbahn, for example the "Montana Trail" north of the Zugerbergbahn, are a particular thorn in the side of the authorities: "Due to the current development, especially in the Zug Lake Forest, measures are necessary to ensure the desired and respectful coexistence of plants, animals and humans in the forest. This "forest-damaging use" must be stopped," write the Zug authorities in their press release. "We hope that this measure will have a deterrent effect and that we will have to fine as few people as possible. The aim is not to collect lots of fines, but to prevent people from riding through the forest", explains Martin Winkler, Co-Head of the Office for Game and Forestry.

The aim is not to collect lots of fines, but to prevent people from riding through the forest.

Missed timing

The timing of the action is astonishing: the Zug authorities, together with IG Mountainbike Zug, want to present a concept for an official mountain bike trail on the Zugerberg before the end of this year. For over ten years, such

Illegal routes are used on the Zugerberg, so the question arises as to why the measure has to be introduced right now. Martin Winkler, Co-Head of the Office for Forests and Wildlife, explains: "The use and construction of these illegal routes has reached a level this spring that we can no longer tolerate." Foresters have encountered whole groups of mountain bikers on the illegal routes in recent weeks. As they are not yet prepared to provide information about the official route, this is a purely repressive measure against the group of athletes, without being able to offer a concrete alternative. If they had at least waited until the fall and then offered an alternative, better route, the authorities' action would certainly have been well received and promised more success.

Unparalleled mass

It is clear that illegal driving or walking through the forest is unacceptable under any circumstances. Nevertheless, it is surprising that action is only to be taken against mountain bikers in the Zuger Seewald. Many illegal hiking trails, such as those in the Wildspitz and Alpli area, do not pose a problem for the authorities. The well-known enemy image of the "nature-destroying mountain biker" still seems to be buzzing around in people's heads. Winkler comments: ""Illegal hiking trails on the Wildspitz are something completely different. These have been around for a long time and, above all, the hikers are traveling at a much lower speed, which is less bad for the animals."

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Various scientific studies have proven that mountain bikers and hikers have the same impact on wildlife and nature. For example, it has been proven that mountain bikers and hikers trigger almost identical reactions in wild animals (Taylor 2003 Wildlife responses to recreation and associated visitor perceptions). All too often, the authorities still have the wrong image of mountain biking: Gravel and forest roads are often still regarded as mountain bike infrastructure. The frequency of use is also misinterpreted, as there are now more mountain bikers than hikers on many trails on the Zugerberg. It would therefore be highly desirable if hikers and mountain bikers were assessed using the same criteria in future.

The balancing act of IG Zug

In the meantime, IG Mountainbike Zug is trying to limit the damage. Although it condemns illegal riding in the forest and supports the efforts of the canton, it is nevertheless committed to good infrastructure for all mountain bikers

one. There is not a single official mountain bike facility in the canton of Zug, which is why downhill-oriented mountain bikers have picked up a shovel and built the infrastructure themselves. Although the IG tries to represent the interests of all mountain bikers, it cannot logically support such actions, as only an amicable agreement with the authorities can lead to the goal. The organization also receives a lot of praise from the authorities for its work: "I think IG Mountainbike Zug is a great organization and I enjoy attending their meetings.", says Martin Winkler, who is a mountain biker himself.
The position of the IG management remains a balancing act between the benevolence of the authorities and trail credibility - legitimacy in the scene. It is now more important than ever for the IG to find its own way and not rely too heavily on the authorities' approach. Martin Winkler, Co-Head of the Office for Forests and Wildlife: "With the realization of an official mountain bike trail on the Zugerberg, other, sensitive trails will have to be closed to mountain bikers." If other trails are closed to mountain bikers by the authorities, the IG must demonstrate a strong, independent position.

Link to the appeal by IG Mountainbike Zug