There are many good reasons to ban bikes from a single trail. Excessive pedestrian traffic; routes through narrow gorges or exposed mountain trails where it is not possible to cross; trails with climbing sections. However, many prohibition signs are not based on understandable arguments or holistic strategies, but on a fundamental aversion to mountain bikers. Mountain bikers are seen as a problem that needs to be solved. And the easiest way to do this is to "channel" them and deny them access to undesirable terrain. This has been the case for the last 20 years and is still the case in many places today. Even in regions that call themselves a "mountain bike paradise".

Second-class guest

Mountain bikers know this only too well. Numerous experiences have made them realize that they are not taken seriously by many authorities and tourism professionals. They don't feel understood and have involuntarily slipped into the role of "underdogs". Every prohibition sign confirms this negative attitude. This also applies to time restrictions, which today are repeatedly seen as a supposed remedy for conflicts of use. However, mountain bikers interpret this measure in their own way: they feel that they are only tolerated during off-peak hours and once again see themselves as second-class guests. As the "underdog", in other words.

The most loyal guests are those who are taken seriously

However, unlike in the past, mountain bikers are now speaking out and standing up for their needs and concerns. Many a tourism professional has been born. The votes are particularly harsh when the mountain bikers feel they have been snubbed by a supposed ally. Then the waters run high and the image that has been built up with a lot of effort is seriously tarnished. The reason for this is often the fact that the "underdog" syndrome of mountain bikers was not understood when a restriction was decided. It would be relatively easy to satisfy the "underdogs". If you make them understand that you take them seriously and don't see them as a second-class group, then they will become the most loyal of guests. If you offer mountain bikers attractive alternative routes instead of prohibition signs and treat them as an opportunity rather than a problem, you will have them on your side for a long time. But if they don't recognize the fig leaf, the mood will change. Because "underdogs" are loyal but extremely sensitive animals.

More blogs by Thomas Giger

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