The two-meter rule, which states that cyclists in Baden-Württemberg's forests may only ride on forest roads that are at least two meters wide, caused some annoyance in the past. Hikers and cyclists often bumped into each other on narrow single trails and the forest rangers were increasingly complaining.
For this reason, in August of this year, we started in cooperation with the DIMB, the German Initiative Mountain Bike eV, a petition that should give emphasis to the repeal of the two-meter rule. The goal was to collect 50.000 signatures. To date, it has even managed to get 58.210 supporters. But there was a setback on the part of the Ministry of Forestry in Baden-Württemberg. Because there is still no need to change or even abolish the two-meter rule in favor of mountain bikers. "From our point of view, there is no need for action.", said the spokeswoman for Forest Minister Alexander Bonde (Greens).
The DIMB signature campaign ends this Sunday. On December 4th, the collection of signatures is to be handed over to the state parliament's petitions committee. But for the time being there does not seem to be a majority in Parliament for abolishing the two-meter rule. "There, too, you can clearly see the advantages of the existing regulation, which has proven itself over the years", added the spokeswoman for the forest ministry. According to the official explanation, the great advantage lies in the clear regulation, which can be used in the event of accidents and conflicts. So it remains to be seen whether the number of those who want the rule to be abolished will lead to a round table at which politicians as well as supporters and opponents will come together constructively.
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