"What experienced mountain bikers in Austria like to do best - namely cycling in the mountains, even on difficult paths - is a problem for German speakers. Anyone who cycles on hiking trails in this country in the same way as hikers is publicly attacked and condemned. What exactly is the difference between someone with crampons and rope, ski touring skis and poles or rubber tires on the trail? If a paraglider carries his rucksack to the summit, he needs just as much space as mountain clubs that carry a summit cross up the mountain on their backs rather than by helicopter. But it is precisely the bike that is the subject of deep hostility from large sections of our population.

Hostility from Germans and Austrians

I have been riding Tyrol's hiking trails regularly on a variety of bikes since 1986. With a tandem, wife, child and cone including trailer and sometimes a second one on the back. Also with a fully and of course where it gets challenging. In Tyrol, and especially here in Tyrol, I'm used to the constant hostility. Beyond the Brenner Pass, in Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, Switzerland and Cyprus, I have never experienced such hostility. Those who tackle the most difficult trails by bike in the Dolomites receive recognition and respect from Italian hikers. As my family comes from Val Gardena, I have also been riding there for over 30 years. Val Gardena has always extended an invitation to mountain bikers, and some trails have been closed to cyclists in the last four years. However, 98 percent of all trails there do not require regulation because hikers and cyclists simply like and respect each other in Italy. If you're met with hostility there, it's only from Austrian or German guests, which is why I've got into the habit of greeting people in Italian.

Trails in Tyrol like a mockery

In this country, one of the world's biggest bike festivals is supported by Tirol Werbung, Crankworkx. This raises enormous expectations among locals and visitors that have nothing to do with reality. A glance at relevant maps such as Trailforks is enough: Europe is full of mountain bike routes of all kinds all around - Tyrol is a blank spot because almost everything is forbidden. The few official routes that have been built read like a mockery on this and other maps. Here, in a skiing nation that is urgently seeking alternatives to skiing due to the decreasing amount of snow, mountain biking on difficult routes is still a punishable offense!

Climbing the Großvenediger is a brilliant sporting achievement, an incredible experience of nature whether on skis, on foot or by bike - and not a criminal offense! Tyrol should advertise with such images and not with ludicrous images of cyclists performing artistry at a height of 15 meters in artificially built parks. Tyrol should advertise the experience of nature in the mountains by bike, just like all the nations mentioned above. Promoting cycling on man-made trails is a mockery of Tyrol's mountains, which are also the most beautiful for cyclists, just as they are!
The solution is respect, a togetherness like hikers and ski tourers need!"