The MTB concept is neither a law nor a mandate

The Canton of Zurich's mountain bike concept is not a law, and the measures it proposes are not a done deal. The concept shows how a needs-based MTB infrastructure can be built in the coming years and decades. The time horizon is 2042, by which time the cantons must have implemented the national Cycle Path Act.

The right to ride on mapped paths applies everywhere - and always has

The cantonal government has commissioned a legal opinion to clarify where mountain biking is permitted in the canton of Zurich. This essentially comes to the same conclusion as the District Court of Affoltern am Albis in its Uetliberg ruling. Any existing path, but not back roads (wooden paths), game trails and trails may be used by mountain bikes. Existing paths are those marked on the latest version of the Swiss Topographical Survey (Swisstopo) map. Unless an official ban on riding is indicated. This right of access is not new, but has actually always applied, even if certain authorities have claimed otherwise.

Livio Peterer adds that the legal opinion is not actually part of the MTB concept: "It was commissioned by the Forest Department of the Office for Landscape and Nature (Building Directorate) and formed an important basis for the development of the MTB concept." In other words, because it is now clear once and for all that even narrow forest trails can be used for mountain biking, they can be used as part of the MTB infrastructure and developed further if necessary.

An additional 150 to 250 kilometers of single trails are needed

Peterer emphasizes that the number of kilometers is a rough estimate. The coexistence on which the concept is based means that existing trails in particular are part of the infrastructure. "New paths are only sought if this is necessary for guidance, to relieve heavily used paths or to protect nature," adds the project manager. These 150 to 250 kilometers are made up of existing trails that need to be expanded and new bike trails that need to be created, as he specified when asked.

25 skill areas or trail centres

This figure is also a rough assumption. The concept does not specify a number. Livio Peterer specifies that in the heavily used regions, or focus areas, it could even make sense to have two area facilities, because: "A trail center that meets demand and is easily accessible can make a significant contribution to steering."

The canton of Zurich wants to compensate forest owners.

In spring 2024, Forest Switzerland caused a stir with its demand that forest owners should be financially compensated if they give their consent to the construction and operation of bike trails that ride across their land. 1 to 2 francs per running meter of trail and year would be appropriate, wrote the Association of Forest Owners at the time.

The Canton of Zurich calls the demand in the mountain bike concept reasonable, including the amount. This means that a three-kilometre trail will earn the owner or owners 3,000 to 6,000 francs per year in future. The cantonal office for landscape and nature, which is part of the building department, is currently working on the basis for making such compensation possible, explains Peterer.