MU study finds opening of the forests to more mountain biking wouldn't make ecological or touristic sense

Mountain biking is seen as an important summer tourist activity in Austria, in particular in mountainous regions, and the bike industry continuously stirs the demand with new bike technologies. A recent debate revolves around the advantages and disadvantages of a general opening of public and privately-owned forests for mountain bikers in Austria. Up to now, mountain biking in forests has only been allowed after approval of the land owner.

A recent study by Dagmar Lund-Durlacher and Hannes Antonschmit of MODUL University aimed to assess the status quo of mountain biking in Austria as well as consequences of opening the forest tracks for mountain bikers. They evaluated the potential consequences such as an increased volume of mountain bikers, user conflicts, accidents and security risk, examined the expectations of all affected stakeholder groups (mountain bikers, hikers, other nature users, tourism destinations), and considered the economic consequences of a general opening.

The MU study produced clear results: "The range of forest roads which have been developed for mountain bikers has been rated as sufficient and good by tourists as well as tourism representatives, especially in tourist regions,’’ says Prof. Lund-Durlacher. ‘’ Mountain bikers themselves prefer narrow, single-bike trails that pose a greater sporting challenge than forest roads. Therefore, the current focus of tourism destinations is to invest in the expansion of single trails and bike parks to create a high-quality, attractive offer for tourists, and in addition bring more guests to the regions. In the summer of 2014, at least 824,000 mountain bike tourists with higher-than-average affluence came to Austria, a trend that seems to be on the rise. In comparison with the neighboring countries, where mountain biking in forests is permitted the current legal system in Austria is not necessarily seen as a disadvantage. “The mountain bike tourists come to Austria for a well-built and attractive mountain biking infrastructure,’’ she said of the results.

The study also examined the health costs associated with mountain bike accidents. "Mountain biking is generally considered one of the more risky sports. According to the Austrian Road Safety Board (KfV) in 2014 there were more than 7,000 mountain bike accidents in Austria that resulted in a hospital stay. The total direct and indirect economic costs amounted to EUR 176.7 million, which corresponds to average cost of around EUR 25,000 per accident. Through targeted information, visitor management and training offers, mountain bike accidents have been reduced in recent years. Contrary to the current situation, a general opening would make it more difficult to exert more influence on forest users, ’’ summarizes Dr. Lund-Durlacher. ‘’The pressure for mountain bike trails will rise, especially for single tracks in all forms. Here we need additional, well-planned, and attractive routes, and a change in the law would be counterproductive.’’

The results of the study were presented at a press conference in late November together with the results of another study by Dr. Ulrike Pröbstl-Haider of the Vienna University of Life Sciences which examined the ecological impacts of mountain biking in the forests and found that mountain bikers disturb wildlife more than hikers. In tandem with MU’s study, it has been demonstrated that a general opening of the forest roads would have more negative effects than positive ones.

Franz Titschenbacher, Chairman of the Committee on Forestry and Forest Products of the Chamber of Agriculture Austria and President of the LK Styria summarized, "The forest is a workplace, creates protection against natural hazards, is a habitat for wildlife and an oasis for those seeking relaxation, from hikers to mountain bikers. If you want to meet all these demands while avoiding conflicts it can only be done in a controlled manner. The current forest laws have the best guaranty and a proven track record."