Unauthorized trails are an increasing problem. The Ennert nature reserve and the protected landscape areas in the Kottenforst are particularly affected. Mountain bikers create steep bends and use stones, trees and earth to build ramps and jumps, among other things. This has a negative impact on nature and its function for the climate as well as on the habitat of wild animals.
The City of Bonn therefore asks for mutual consideration and urgently appeals to mountain bikers to only use the designated public paths in the forests.
One option for practicing the MTB type "dirt bike" is the dirt bike park of the "Radsportclub Sturmvogel Bonn" in Dottendorf, which can be used with a membership. The club is looking forward to welcoming new members.
Other types of MTB, such as "downhill", are only permitted on official forest paths.
Feasibility study for route on the Venusberg available
In order to relieve the forests and reduce illegal trails, the city of Bonn has commissioned a feasibility study for a possible mountain bike trail on the Venusberg. This should meet the sporting demands of riders and satisfy their desire for variety and challenge.
In the study, different variants of official mountain bike trails were examined, compared and evaluated. The aspects of "environment and nature" and "planning" were particularly relevant. Based on the study, the city recommends a corridor that is approved as a mountain bike trail. The impact on the environment and nature could be limited by a fixed location if the route was accompanied by regular regulatory controls and the successful dismantling of illegal trails. The next step is for the study to go through the political committees. Citizens and clubs are also to be involved in a public participation process. Part of the planning will also involve clarifying the ownership of the affected forest areas.
Why does it harm nature when mountain bikers ride cross-country?
Similar to heavily frequented illegal trails, the forest soil in the area of the frequently used trails becomes very compacted so that rainwater can no longer be absorbed and runs off on the surface. As a result, the trees cannot utilize the water, which is problematic in view of the increasingly frequent dry periods.
Root damage can also mean that trees can no longer absorb important nutrients and therefore die. When trails are created, branches and smaller trees are often removed so that the path can be used. However, if branches are removed, this can lead to permanent damage to the trees. Natural regeneration in particular - the next generation of trees - are the losers here.
In addition, wild animals are disturbed: Some are so shy that they no longer pass through the frequently used and constantly changing trails, which reduces their habitat. Most animals are active at night and at dusk and need quiet protected areas, especially during the day. The wildcat, for example, is a particularly protected and disturbance-sensitive animal species in Bonn's forests that needs contiguous and undisturbed forest areas. Due to their special characteristics, areas such as the Kottenforst and the Ennert as part of the Siebengebirge are even under European protection as part of the "Natura 2000" network of protected areas.
What is the city doing about off-road riding and trail building?
The Office for the Environment and Urban Greenery dismantles illegal trails in protected areas on urban land in concerted campaigns at irregular intervals. This is always accompanied by public relations and educational work.
Violations of forestry and nature conservation law
The legal situation regarding the protection of forests is clear: anyone entering the forest must behave in such a way "that the forest community and the management of the forest are not disturbed, the forest is not endangered, damaged or contaminated and other interests of the forest owners worthy of protection and the recreation of others are not unreasonably impaired". This is stated in forestry law, for example. Cycling on non-paved paths or forest areas off the beaten track can be punished with a warning or fine from the forestry authority.
Corresponding paragraphs are also contained in other important regulations for the protection of natural communities, in particular the Federal Nature Conservation Act. All legal texts emphasize that the interests of a particular group must not be at the expense of the biotic communities in the forest and other users of recreational areas.
Do you use the forest for recreation, have suggestions about mountain biking in Bonn and would like to get involved?
We look forward to your feedback and commitment! Please feel free to write to us at mountainbikenbonnde