Illegal mountain bike trails spark conflict in Rhineland-Palatinate forests

Growing popularity, growing tensions

Mountain biking is booming in Rhineland-Palatinate, drawing more riders into the state's forests. While forestry authorities, private woodland owners and local councils generally welcome the sport as part of the forest's recreational role, a rise in illegally built trails is fuelling friction. The city of Lahnstein recently reported several unauthorised tracks in its municipal forest, complete with jumps and tool-built features, which are now being closed.

The forestry perspective

Andreas Grauer, head of the Donnersberg forestry office, says his team works positively with the local MTB club. Before any new official trail opens, however, a long list of interests must be balanced: nature conservation, visitor safety, traffic management and the needs of other forest users. Official trails, he argues, have a steering effect.

With a view to the steering effect of the official trails, we remove structures on unofficial trails.

Grauer notes that cycling in the forest is only permitted on roads and designated paths under state law; violations are misdemeanours. His office talks to those who build and use illegal trails, but legal action is rare. He appeals for consideration, especially for wildlife, and asks riders to avoid dusk and night riding.

Mutual consideration is the be-all and end-all.

Forest owners' concerns

Dirk Fernholz, managing director of the Rhineland-Palatinate Forest Owners Association, welcomes mountain bikers alongside hikers, horse riders and mushroom pickers. But he is sharply critical of wild trails, which he says frequently clash with nature conservation, climate protection, other visitors and forestry operations.

We would therefore wish for more sensitivity from mountain bikers in many places, as their numbers continue to grow rapidly.

Fernholz sees a solution in stronger organisation of the scene into clubs and early dialogue with forest owners and forestry offices.

Mountain bikers' response

The Pfalzbiker club stresses the sport's value for nature experience, health and community. Spokesperson Marian David Serr points to the direct contact with nature, the physical challenge and the strong social bonds as central motives. The club believes there is still untapped potential for legal, challenging trail networks in the state, especially near populated areas and for children and young people.

The direct closeness to nature, as well as the physical activity and especially the great community.

A path forward

Both sides agree that more official trails could ease tensions. Forestry officials see them as a tool to steer riders away from sensitive zones, while bikers want more varied and accessible routes. The debate in Rhineland-Palatinate mirrors a wider challenge across Germany as outdoor recreation grows and forests face competing demands.