In some countries, you'll have to dig deep into your pockets if you ride on unauthorised paths and trails on your bike holiday. Whilst in Switzerland, which is otherwise so expensive, it only costs the equivalent of 28 euros at best, in Austria you have to pay up to 750 euros. Here, biking is prohibited even on forest roads. Although this law applies throughout Austria, there are exceptions in many tourist areas. In Italy, on the other hand, the laws are less transparent.
It can cost up to several thousand euros if you violate nature conservation laws or if the landowner takes civil action. "Anyone who thinks that biking is only prohibited where there is a no biking sign is wrong," says Heiko Mittelstädt from the DIMB. His tip: check with the tourism association before you go on holiday. Even better: choose regions that explicitly advertise themselves as mountain bike destinations with trail tolerance.
"There are 16 different state forest laws in Germany. But these only apply to forests. In the open countryside, there are 16 additional state nature conservation laws. The definitions of where biking is permitted are often very vague. What is the difference between a footpath and a footpath? Or what does it mean that biking is permitted on fixed paths? My advice is to get well informed at home and abroad before setting off on a trail ride in a foreign area." Heiko Mittelstädt, DIMB
Germany: 15 Euro to 80 Euro
In comparison, German bikers get off lightly when disregarding bike bans. The rates vary depending on the federal state.
Austria: 80 Euro to 750 Euro
Anyone who ignores the nationwide ban on forest roads must expect a fine of up to 750 euros. First-time offenders with 50-70 euros. But there are also sensational exceptions, such as the lawsuit for 15,000 euros against Austrian bikers.
Italy: No nationwide regulation
Take Trentino as an example: here the fine is between 60 euros and 180 euros. The fines may vary in other regions.
[Udpate, 18/04/2018]
Switzerland: 30 CHF (approx. 28 euros) to 50,000 CHF (just under 42,000 euros)
Bikers in Switzerland get off relatively lightly. At least if they ignore the general driving ban for cyclists. In the best-case scenario, bikers can expect a fine of 28 euros if they are caught ignoring the no biking sign. However, if this no-cycling sign is located at the entrance to a protected zone, nature reserve or national park, it can also result in a charge being brought by the regional district governor, depending on the land or forest owner. With the fees, which are often at least as high as the fine itself, depending on the severity of the "offence", this then costs from around CHF 500 and can - depending on the judge's discretion - go up to CHF 50,000!
Wim from the Netherlands reported to us on Facebook:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
