Are the conflicts between mountain bikers and hikers, landowners, forest wardens etc. a fake problem hyped up by the media or a real challenge that could cost trail enthusiasts a beloved playground or two in the coming years? IMBA Switzerland, which sees itself as the nationwide representative body for amateur bikers, wanted to know how they experience the conflicts. Around 1150 regular bikers (83%) and women took part in the survey.

"I've never had any problems, conflicts affect a small minority" is a common refrain. However, the survey now shows that 70 percent of the mountain bikers surveyed have already been involved in discussions. Now, a discussion does not necessarily have to be a dispute. Depending on how broadly you define a conflict, there are more or less of them. In the survey, disparaging remarks are included, which 43% of respondents experience occasionally to often. Verbal abuse is somewhat less common (32%). 18% are occasionally or often obstructed when driving on. It is worrying that a quarter of all bikers surveyed encounter dangerous road manipulation at least occasionally ("biker traps", also known as vigilante justice). Bikers most frequently argue with hikers, followed by dog owners, landowners and farmers.

The IMBA Switzerland has taken up the cause of preventing bike bans wherever possible. This is to be achieved by raising awareness and providing information, as well as relieving congestion on highly frequented routes. Taking stock of the conflict situation is certainly an important basis. The difficult part of the task still lies ahead for IMBA Switzerland and all those interested in many attractive trails.
The results in detail