Since 2012, the Bikepark Thunersee association has been committed to legal offers around Lake Thun and has now reached a first and important milestone. After the user agreement between the association, the city of Thun and the Burgergemeinde Thun was signed in December 2018, the building permit procedure for the project was initiated. Sam Hunziker, President of the Bikepark Thunersee association, has now officially received the permit.

The association now intends to have the financing in place by the end of January 2020 and to start construction in spring 2020 as soon as temperatures allow. The opening should take place in spring 2020. Sam Hunziker, who initiated the project seven years ago, speaks of "a breakthrough that he no longer thought possible".He is now all the more relieved to finally be able to implement the first part of the long-awaited project. Roman Gimmel, Head of the Directorate of Education, Sport and Culture of the City of Thun, says: "Perseverance, persistence and perseverance are finally being rewarded. However, with so much delay that I no longer have to honor my bet. I congratulate everyone involved on this milestone. This is a great story in the making!" Jürg Marti, Mayor of the municipality of Steffisburg, also commented: "A dream that was pursued with a lot of passion and drive is now becoming a reality. We would like to thank the people and institutions involved for their great commitment. Now we can all get to work."

The two sections

To create a coherent offer, two different routes were planned. One route runs from Rabenfluh via Brändlisberg to Dorfhalde Steffisburg. The other route, which has not yet been approved, runs from Goldiwil (Schwendibachstrasse) via Scheidweg to Untere Wart. The routes differ mainly in terms of accessibility and ascent. On the Rabenfluh route, the ascent is primarily by muscle power from the Steffisburg side via Schwandenbad - Brändlisberg. In order to be able to pick up the downhill-oriented bikers, the Goldiwil - Thun route is reached from Goldiwil without a counter-climb. Bikers can take the STI bus to the top and enjoy the ride down into the valley.

Construction

Construction of the 2 km long route will take around five weeks. The local company Flying Metal GmbH will be responsible for site management and construction. In order to save costs, the association is trying to organize helpers in the evenings and on Saturdays as well as agreeing material and service sponsorships with other companies.

Financing

A portion of the costs will be covered by the town of Thun and the municipality of Steffisburg. An application will also be made to the Canton of Bern Sports Fund. According to project manager Jérôme Hunziker, the project is well on the way to securing funding. However, some sponsors are still needed to help support the project. Flying Metal GmbH, where

which Jérôme Hunziker is a member of the management board, has already promised a large amount of sponsorship. The company is also in contact with other sponsors. The association can count on support from the city of Thun and the municipality of Steffisburg for the subsequent operation of the facility. Further funds will flow into maintenance through STI Bus AG bicycle transport and trail vignettes.

Operation

The Bikepark Thunersee association will be responsible for control rides and trail maintenance. Use of the trail is at your own risk and is generally free of charge. However, the association asks all users to become members of the association or to purchase a trail vignette, which will be available at various locations.

Vision of the Bikepark Thunersee Association

The association intends to launch further projects around Lake Thun in the near future. It wants to plan and implement pump tracks, cross-country, enduro and family trails and then operate and maintain them. According to Jérôme Hunziker, a lot of voluntary work has already been done in the background and good discussions have been held. The association has worked without financial resources up to now and would like to become more professional with the launch of the "Rabenfluh" project. In future, certain tasks are to be handed over to an office so that important projects can be implemented step by step. The association currently has more than 500 members, who have been able to enjoy free membership to date. The association would like to express its heartfelt thanks for the trust placed in it by its members. As of January 1, 2020, membership will be subject to a fee. Membership will include the trail vignette and various discounts at bike stores and partner companies. Each member's contribution will support the maintenance and further development of the shared vision.

www.bikepark-thunersee.ch