New trails in the Altmühltal: Adventure or conflict for bikers?

New trails in the Altmühltal: Adventure or conflict for bikers?

Something has happened in the Altmühltal region: the city of Kelheim is opening new trails for mountain bikers and inviting you to exciting adventures. Head of tourism Florian Best has secured the financing of the signage over years of work and proudly states that trail tours totaling 100 kilometers were released this year. The newly created trails “Fakir 2” and “Flow Joe” are part of an official route network that focuses on the wonderful nature of the Danube Gorge. This impressive view was named a “National Natural Monument” in 2020 and is ideal for exploring by bike.

What is particularly exciting is the commitment of Ludwig Döhl, a former enduro professional who is largely responsible for the approval of the new routes. The trails were designed to represent a compromise between conservation and recreational opportunities for mountain bikers. Six officially signposted circular tours around Kelheim offer something for every taste - from gentle gradients to slightly more demanding challenges. Among the best tours, the “Holy Diver” tour stands out with 18.4 km and a trail share of 19%.

A conflict that is not far away

BR24 reported that mountain biking off the official routes leads to conflicts in the district. A round table involving mayors, conservationists and local mountain bikers is trying to address the challenges. District forester Ernst Süß reports on illegal trails that mountain bikers create themselves in the forest. Regular inspections repeatedly reveal problematic wooden obstacles and ramps. Not only do they represent a danger, but they also raise legal issues, especially in the event of accidents.

“This is a sensitive topic,” said Süß. “I am obliged to remove unauthorized structures promptly, which is often challenging.” The legal situation makes it complicated because in the event of an accident, both the forest owner and the people responsible can be held liable.

A place for everyone

Pedelec reported. This high number of mountain bikers naturally creates additional usage effects on nature. Nico Graaff, managing director of the Mountain Bike Tourism Forum Germany, appeals for a differentiated view of the situation. The individual needs and demands of mountain bikers should be taken into account when planning trail networks. Feedback from the community is essential and can help avoid misunderstandings.

Municipalities should therefore consider dividing the routes by color, similar to ski slopes. This could not only provide clarity, but also contribute to the acceptance of the trails among the population. Positive examples from other regions, such as the Harz National Park, show that clear communication about new routes and regulations can be beneficial not only for mountain bikers, but also for conservationists. In order to overcome these challenges, regular meetings between mountain bikers, conservationists and forest owners are of great importance in order to promote understanding and cooperation.