Basic paper on the environmental impact of mountain biking

In this basic paper, the existing studies on the effects of mountain biking on soil, flora and fauna are compared with findings on other nature activities. The comparison shows that a worse position of mountain biking on existing trails compared to hiking or other nature sports cannot be justified from a nature conservation point of view.

Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the following environmental impacts:

All paths have consequences.

The most serious impact of trail-related activities in the recreational area is first of all the creation of the trail. For the fauna, especially reptiles, even narrow paths can be partly insurmountable barriers. They cut up habitats and make intermixing more difficult or, in the worst case, lead to the isolation of populations.

Animals sometimes perceive recreational users surprisingly late.

The animal's respond to the mountain biker is much shorter compared to the slower hiker. An escape reaction occurs in 60 percent of encounters when hiking, and in only six percent of encounters when mountain biking. Mountain bikers are more predictable because they are limited to trails. Hikers, on the other hand, often approach outside of existing trails. It is here that wildlife feel the greatest stress. Assuming regular repetition in the same place and the absence of direct consequences for wildlife, animals become accustomed to the disruptive stimuli.

Even comparativeley short disturbances have consequences.

For example, animals experience reduced food intake and increased locomotion. Depending on the season and the animal's state of health, disturbances can have serious consequences, especially at dusk. In Central Europe, roe deer are adapting to recreational pressures. This is noticeable as an increased shift of activities into the night, but also in smaller foraging areas in highly frequented recreational areas. Forest roads or even entire regions are avoided, so that an ever-increasing fragmentation of the natural area by trails also has consequences.

Birds also respond to disruptive stimuli from recreational use. For example, breeding success in a designated bike region dropped to 35 percent compared to a 70 percent breeding success in a region without bike use.

Wildlife has little seasonal retreat time.

Whether cycling, jogging or Nordic walking, the rhythms of recreational use, especially of meadows and forests close to settlements, have changed. Contributing factors include a shorter workweek and greater interest in outdoor recreation, as well as milder winters and the widespread availability of high-quality functional clothing.

As a result, mountain biking - like the other recreational activities mentioned - is now a year-round activity, even if the number of active people is still significantly lower during the colder months of the year. From October to March, recreational sports in the Central European are naturally practiced after work in the twilight or darkness.