CVP politician Franz Hürlimann is considered a mountain biker's terror in Zugerland. He has been fighting for a long time to put bikers in their place on the Zugerberg. And it seems he has the backing of the cantonal parliament. It voted 52 to 11 in favor of taking tougher action against "reckless mountain bikers". Reference is made to the Road and Forest Acts - but to the "rubber paragraphs" of all things. At these points, the law stipulates that other road users must not be hindered or endangered and that special care must be taken with children, the infirm and the elderly. Disruptive activities can therefore be restricted or prohibited. The basis on which the Zug cantonal police want to fine mountain bikers is then no longer a problem for the cantonal council.

The text of the postulate states that cyclists are increasingly riding on roads, paths and hiking trails without paying attention to other cyclists. Prohibitions and signs are often barely observed. Elderly or hearing-impaired pedestrians in particular are often frightened by approaching cyclists. Falls by recreational walkers and hikers are not uncommon. Property owners who make cyclists and bikers aware of the prohibitions have to put up with rude insults to add to the general annoyance.

However, the postulate also states that mountain bikers and downhillers should not be deprived of their sport and that routes should be designated throughout the canton. Construction Director Heinz Tännler is already working with IG Mountainbike Zug on the development of a mountain bike trail on the Zugerberg. According to Radio SRF, Tännler does not want to rely on fines, as called for in the postulate, but on unbundling. From this perspective, Hürlimann's postulate certainly plays into Tännler's hands and could turn out in favor of mountain bikers - if the development of mountain bike trails in the canton of Zug (thanks to the postulate) can now be driven forward with combined forces and the blessing of the cantonal council.

Wording of the postulate:
http://www.zg.ch/behoerden/kantonsrat/kantonsratsvorlagen_geschaefte/2311/Downloads/1/download

Report on SRF radio:
http://www.srf.ch/player/radio/popupaudioplayer?id=6d8fdc4b-c843-4b0b-9616-b3301492f562&starttime=0