News: Set off once by bike to the peaks of the Alps in the clear mountain air or even do an Alpine cross in the midst of an idyllic landscape. This is the dream of many amateur cyclists. E-bikes are now making this dream come true for more and more people. However, the exploding cycle tourism is becoming a growing problem. Environmental organizations such as the Bund-Naturschutz in Bayern (BUND) are now calling for the use of pedelecs in the Alpine region to be regulated. So is an e-bike ban coming soon?
E-bike ban in the mountains: The problem
Well, the Alps and other high mountain ranges have retained their wildness and their undisturbed panoramic views for one reason only: the path used to be so difficult that only a few people have ventured into these areas. Especially not by bike. These places were previously only reserved for the few cyclists who were really fit.
Thanks to the e-bike revolution, however, the sensitive alpine regions are now accessible to an ever-increasing number of cyclists. And with the crowd comes the lasting damage from litter, disturbing animals, or damage to vegetation from wild trails. Thomas Frey, regional officer and managing director of the BUND regional working group for the Alps, therefore calls for the use of pedelecs to be regulated as a reaction to the "upgrade" in the e-bike segment.
E-mountain biking only on special trails
The aim of the BUND is that e-bikes are no longer allowed to ride on any path in alpine terrain. Instead, use should be limited to defined paths in order to protect the sensitive nature as much as possible. In order for the whole thing to be effectively implemented, compliance with the regulation should be monitored by area managers, rangers, the nature conservation watch, foresters and other employees of local institutions.
Surprisingly, the current proposal does not mention penalties for non-compliance. The conservationists therefore rely on the insight of the cyclists. However, the reality of road traffic shows that the lack of sanctions does not lead to any significant change in behavior. What do you think about the topic? Do e-bikes have to be regulated in alpine terrain or should everyone continue to ride freely? Let us know.
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