Popular bike trail has lost its character

The reconstruction of the Felsentrail on the Zugerberg is drawing criticism. While mountain bikers are calling it a "gravel highway," the Zug Corporation points to the maintenance work necessary following logging operations.
 

The issue:

• The Felsentrail bike and hiking trail on the Zugerberg was rebuilt after logging operations.
• Mountain bikers criticize that the widened, flattened, and partially gravelled trail has lost its appeal.
• The Zug Corporation points to the necessary maintenance, erosion control and the need to co-exist with hikers.

A "gravel highway," "accessible with a stroller," "the trail is dead": the reactions on the online forum of the Zug mountain biking scene are drastic. The trigger is the reconstruction of the Felsentrail (rock trail) on the Zugerberg. What the Zug Corporation considers necessary repairs following logging operations, many bikers see as the loss of a beloved single-track trail.

The affected section is a roughly 600-metre stretch of a bike route near the Zugerberg. It was considered a trail with character, and was popular with local bikers. But little of its former character now remains: the path has been widened, flattened, straightened, and covered with gravel. The Zug bike community is "shocked by the way it has been developed," as stated in a letter from the Zug Mountain Bike Association (IG Mountainbike Zug).

The association's president, Manuel Sigrist, explains: "Its appeal has significantly decreased, both for bikers and pedestrians." Gravel is generally unsuitable for bike paths, as the loose surface can quickly become slippery. "The straightening and flattening of the path will also lead to increased speeds, which is certainly not conducive to safety." The path is easily accessible and can be readily integrated into both shorter and longer tours. "Its character was appealing, without demanding overly high levels of technical skill."

IG Mountainbike criticises the communication
It's not just the reconstruction itself that is drawing criticism. The IG Mountainbike is also disappointed with the communication from the council, as members were not informed beforehand. "We are in contact with the canton, and have sought dialogue with the Zug Corporation," says Manuel Sigrist. The Zug Corporation, who were responsible for the work, confirms this. "We maintain a good working relationship with the IG Mountainbike, and explained our perspective in a meeting following the work," explained Ruedi Bachmann, Forestry Manager (Forstbetriebsleiter) of the Zug Corporation.

Open terrain, unpaved paths, speed: this is how the Zug mountain biking community also wants the trail to be.          Symbolic photo: Alex Spichale
The rocky trail near the Zugerberg is approximately 600 metres long and descends 115 metres in altitude.    Image: supplied
 

Last winter, the corporation carried out logging in the adjacent wooded area – a protected forest - and the timber was removed from the forest using cableways. “The path suffered damage, and was repaired after the logging operations,” said Ruedi Bachmann. Because it’s a rather steep path, it was important to channel the water away from the path via drainage ditches in order to prevent erosion.

The path is designated in the cantonal route network, he explains: “All the paths are therefore used by both hikers and bikers. Co-existence is the principle.” Maintenance must therefore be suitable for both user groups. “An upgrade specifically for bikers is not planned.”

A short section in the upper part has been covered with gravel to create a clean surface. In the lower part, however, the existing soil was used instead of gravel, says RuediBachmann. “The path currently appears somewhat wide. But it will soon become a single-track again, however, due to vegetation,” he adds.

Should bikers resort to illegal paths?
Manuel Sigrist and the IG Mountainbike are now trying to compile the reports they are receiving and "engage in dialogue as constructively as possible." One goal is to find a mutually acceptable solution for the situation at the Felsentrail. "Overall, we are trying to prevent such insensitive interventions from occurring on other trails in the network."

Regarding the specific consequences of the construction work for mountain bikers, Manuel Sigrist says: "They will probably switch to other routes." If there are too few attractive alternatives in the trail network, it cannot be ruled out that riders will shift to trails that are not included in the development plan. Manuel Bachmann confirms this suspicion: "Unfortunately, we are currently seeing a resurgence of illegal downhill riding through the forest." The corporation is making considerable efforts to stop these rides, which damage the flora and fauna.