With their intention to prohibit mountain bikers from accessing all single trails in the canton of Bern by law, the officials did not count on the biking community, which has since grown in strength. Following the publication of the proposed law, protests rained down from all sides, even from Bern's tourism sector, which is not always bike-friendly. Now the dust seems to have settled before the final text of the law is drawn up. Following the debate, there is a consensus to look for solutions based on partnership instead of passing bogus solutions by law. In future, cycling in the canton of Berne should only be prohibited "off the beaten track and specially marked trails". A decision will be made in late summer when the bill comes before parliament.

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Press release from Trailnet:

Partners propose package of measures

Stakeholders representing forest owners, cyclists and horse riders want to do more to promote conflict-free coexistence between forest visitors. In doing so, they have recognized that compensation for the public services provided by forest owners would not be satisfactorily resolved via Article 22. Bern's forest owners are prepared to forego the proposed additional restriction on cyclists and horse riders in the forest if politicians find practicable solutions for the compensation of public services. This is the result of a round table organized by the Office for Forests as part of the consultation process for the partial revision of the Cantonal Forest Act.

In the consultation on the partial revision of the Cantonal Forest Act (KWaG), one point in particular proved controversial: Art. 22 stipulates that cycling and horse riding should be restricted to forest roads and specially designated paths and tracks. In doing so, the canton of Bern wants to better protect the property rights of forest owners.In the course of the discussions, the Office for Forests (KAWA) has established that both forest owners and bikers and riders are willing to discuss solutions based on partnership. For this reason, the KAWA invited them to a round table. The following organizations took part: the Bernese Forest Owners Association (BWB), the Trailnet mountain bike network and the Central Switzerland Cavalry and Equestrian Sports Association (ZKV).For the consultation process, the partners agreed on a package of measures comprising the following three key points:

• Provide a code of conduct: Trailnet is prepared to draw up a comprehensive code of conduct on behavior in the forest and disseminate it among its members. The umbrella organization of the ZKV, the Swiss Equestrian Federation, already has such a code and uses it with good results.
Strengthen agreements: The partners recognize that good local examples already exist. However, they want to look for more solutions and reach joint agreements.Compensate for recreational services: The aforementioned measures help to make the coexistence of forest users less conflicting. However, cycling and horse riding are only part of the increasing use of the forest by the population. A recent survey by the Federal Office for the Environment showed that almost 94 percent of respondents regularly visit the forest. They are also of the opinion that the services provided by the forest for the benefit of the public should cost something. Forest owners have to bear the costs of the work, liability risks and damage to infrastructure and forests that they currently have to bear alone. The Round Table partners understand the forest owners' demand for appropriate compensation for the public services provided by all users and for relief from the resulting liability risks.

Against this background, the BWB would refrain from insisting on the additional restriction provided for in Art. 22 KWaG. The status quo could continue to apply, which prohibits horse riding and cycling "off paths and specially designated slopes".

This package of measures will be included in the consultation on the partial revision of the KWaG, which closed today, Friday. Over the next few weeks, the Department of Economic Affairs will comprehensively evaluate all responses received. The government of the Canton of Bern is expected to adopt a proposal for the attention of the Grand Council in late summer.

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