Biking on hiking trails: the most important rules

Legal basis

With bikers coming down, hikers climbing up, here a jump to the left, there a swerve to the right, hiking trails are becoming ever busier. But who has right of way?

Art. 43 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act stipulates that bicycles may not use footpaths or hiking trails that aren't suitable or intended for this purpose. However, anyone who has ever rid­den a new mountain bike designed with the latest technology knows just how much leeway the «suitability» point leaves for interpretation.

Cantons decide

The Federal Government leaves it to the cantons to draw up specific rules and create a signalling system. This leads to different solutions among the cantons and mu­nic­i­pal­i­ties. For example, the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden strictly dictates that mountain bikers may only use signalised bike routes, otherwise they will be fined. By contrast, tourist-liberal Graubünden says «Everyone has a right to the mountains, hence our fairtrail concept». This keeps the trails fair for everyone.

Know the rules

If you’re planning a mountain bike tour off the official mountain bike trails, it’s best to consult the can­to­nal website for in­for­ma­tion on restrictions. When in doubt, only clear signalling can provide in­for­ma­tion as to whether a trail may be used or not. Otherwise the following applies: show mutual respect and act considerately.

Bike check recommended before every tour

Bikers seeking assurance that all’s well when they mount the saddle should quickly check certain parts of their bike before each tour. After all, a loose screw can quickly turn biking into a risky undertaking. In an M check, the expert shows us which parts of the bike are important.