The E-MTB takes people into the mountains and onto trails who would not be able to get there without motorised assistance. That much is certain. Since the beginning of the boom, critics have warned that the mass influx could have negative consequences for the freedom to ride off-road. They fear regulations and trail closures. The German Alpine Association (DAV) has taken up the cause of rights of way.
The association has been looking after the interests of mountain sports enthusiasts for decades. As a nature conservation organisation, the focus is on sustainable and nature-friendly solutions. However, the association has long been critical of mountain biking, but this has since changed. The project "Mountain biking - sustainable into the future" of the DAV is intended to facilitate peaceful coexistence between all nature users and landowners in future. The crux for e-mountain bikers: At the last Annual General Meeting, the DAV spoke out in favour of a critical stance towards e-mountain bikes. At the end of the debate, the delegates decided in favour of a critical stance of the DAV towards mountain pedelecs. This stance is made clear in an appeal that was passed with 71 per cent of the votes cast; the wording: "The Annual General Meeting appeals to the sections to prohibit the charging of batteries in their huts", it says in a report on the DAV homepage.
As part of a symposium, the DAV called on all nature users and stakeholders to exchange views. Alpine farmers, mayors and hunters discussed with bikers, hikers and e-mountain bikers in Benediktbeuern. Also present: Claus Fleischer, head of Bosch eBike Systems. We asked him what the mood was like and what the consequences are for e-mountain bikers.
EMTB: The German Alpine Club (DAV) is currently campaigning as a representative of mountain bikers. However, the association is critical of e-MTBs. What does an e-bike advocate have to say?
Claus Fleischer: It is definitely very positive that the German Alpine Association, as the most important nature conservation and mountain sports organisation, is actively involved in the topic of mountain biking. The German Alpine Association represents many very different mountain sports enthusiasts and is also very well networked at a political level. This is certainly good for mountain biking as an activity. When it comes to e-MTBs, however, there seems to be a lack of internal consensus on which direction to take. For an association of this size, forming an opinion is a process and I hope that all levels recognise the positive effects of e-MTBs on health, exercise and, above all, on our individual mobility and act accordingly. I also think that the majority of the 600,000 biking members are in favour of e-MTBs.
You were at the DAV symposium, where the topic was the sustainable development of mountain biking, and discussed the e-bike with interested parties. What was the atmosphere like?
I am delighted to have been invited to this round table. There was a very intensive discussion. My impression was that the majority of participants were relaxed and positive about the topic. However, there were also some critical voices. I am of the opinion that we should continue to discuss this on the basis of figures, data and facts. A moralising discussion is not constructive for either supporters or critics.
The DAV wants to pave the way for the future of biking in Germany with a major project. What do you think?
The model project "Mountain sport mountain biking - sustainable into the future" is a major step by the German Alpine Club towards mountain biking. It shows: The topic is being actively and positively addressed. I hope that concepts will be implemented in the two pilot regions presented that promote mountain biking in all its diversity and in all its environmentally and socially acceptable forms. The two regions with their strong user pressure are certainly very special - I would hope that the results could also be transferred to the German low mountain ranges. After all, the vast majority of (e-)mountain bikers' tours start on their own doorstep. This is precisely what makes the sport so interesting - in most cases, there is no need for environmentally damaging journeys.
Do e-mountain bikers have to expect consequences?
In our view, the current regulations on e-mountain biking are completely sufficient. Socially and environmentally compatible practice serves as a framework and, in my experience, is practised by e-mountain bikers. In fact, I hope that this project will provide positive impetus for e-mountain biking. During the symposium, for example, representatives of the mountain pasture industry have already spoken in favour of e-mountain biking - so perhaps the e-MTB will ultimately have a stronger connection than some critics currently believe.
What can e-bikers do to counteract bike bans and restrictions?
The same rules apply to e-mountain biking as to classic mountain biking: respect and tolerance towards other people and nature. There are certain "rules of the game" for e-mountain bikers. Our trail etiquette, the DIMB Trail Rules and the MTB rules of the Alpine clubs are the ideal framework for this. For example, e-bikers should travel at an appropriate speed, avoid heavily frequented sections of trail and respect local trail closures and protected areas. The joint, active rejection of e-bike tuning and the creation of suitable anti-tuning measures are further important points for maintaining the status quo. We are fully committed to communication and education here - and therefore actively provide information about e-mountain biking in dealer training courses, riding technique training and also on the website with specially produced videos and content. Because one thing is certain: If you stick to certain rules, you won't harm the environment - and you'll have a lot of fun on your e-mountainbike.
Does the surge in popularity threaten problems in the mountains or are there more favourable scenarios? We investigated this question. You can read our report on the future of trails in EMTB 1/19, available from newsagents now!
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
