For some time now, some mountain railroads in the Alps have been at a turning point: for the first time, they have sold more tickets to mountain bikers than to hikers. The trend is moving in a clear direction: mountain bikers may soon be in the majority in many regions. Even in urban recreation areas, mountain bikers are likely to become the most important user group for local recreation in the next few years. Experts are no longer asking themselves whether this will happen, but when.

The change in the majority situation will turn many things upside down. In future, trails will be created and maintained to meet the requirements of mountain bikers. The numerical superiority of mountain bikers will also lead to different ways of thinking. The question will arise as to whether hikers will continue to have unrestricted access to the trails. Discussions will arise similar to those we have today, but in reverse. On conflict-prone routes, it will no longer be mountain bikers who have to give in per se. In future, bans or time restrictions could apply to pedestrians instead of cyclists. The new majority ratios will thus lead to fundamentally different positions.

The most striking change, however, will be in the relationship between hikers and mountain bikers. Today, pedestrians have the say on the trail and tolerate bikers on "their" routes. Once mountain bikers outnumber hikers, they will have to tolerate them on "their" routes. Hikers therefore need to ask themselves today: "How do I want people to treat me in the future?" They should set an example of tolerance and respect today, because as a minority they will then demand the same kind of behavior.

But it is even more important for mountain bikers to be aware of their current image. The behavior that they expect from hikers today is something that they themselves must demonstrate in the future. It is unacceptable for mountain bikers to stand up for tolerance, respect and the shared use of single trails today, but then claim ownership when they are in a majority position and want to ban hikers from routes that have been specially marked out for them. Mountain bikers need to show size and not want to enforce restrictions currently demanded of them themselves later on.When mountain bikers become the majority, this will have a much greater impact than just on the design of the infrastructure. The biggest change will be in the way trail users interact with each other. The future has long since cast its shadow. Hikers and mountain bikers would do well to maintain a friendly and respectful relationship. In doing so, they are laying a solid foundation for a future with reversed signs.

More blog posts by Thomas Giger:

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