Stay safe on your mountain bike in the Wildkogel Arena
How to behave when mountain biking
Mountain biking is one of the best things you can do in the mountains of the Salzburg region. To ensure we ride safely and in harmony with nature, and do not cause any harm to the flora and fauna, there are a few rules that must be followed.
The most important rules for safe mountain biking
- Use is permitted from 1 May to 15 November and exclusively during the following times: 1 May – 31 August from 7.00 am – 7.00 pm | September from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm | 1 October – 15 November from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
- Please use only the approved and marked routes.
- Forest roads are working areas. Expect to find timber on the road surface, grazing livestock and motor vehicle traffic. Also expect wildlife to cross the road.
- Particular attention must be paid to motor vehicles, pedestrians, grazing livestock and wildlife; they must be given priority.
- Reduce your speed before blind spots or dangerous areas.
- Only cycling on bicycles that are properly equipped (as defined by the Road Traffic Regulations) and suitable for the route in question is permitted. Children aged 12 and under must wear appropriate protective gear in accordance with the compulsory bicycle helmet rule under the Road Traffic Regulations.
Route difficulty levels
The difficulty levels can be easily identified by the signage. When out on a ride, you should not overestimate your own ability and thereby put yourself and others at risk. Mountain bike routes on trails and roads are classified into three categories, each distinguished by a different colour, which also defines the background of the corresponding pictograms.
- Easy (blue): Generally short and not too steep routes. Good road surface and no particular danger zones; where there are hazards, these are indicated by special signage. Blue routes are family-friendly and can also be ridden with children. Routes are up to 30 kilometres long, have less than 600 metres of elevation gain and a maximum gradient of 10%.
- Medium difficulty (red): Medium-length routes with some steeper sections. The road surface requires mountain bike equipment. Here, you must expect blind, winding sections that require athletic cycling skills. Steep terrain adjacent to the trail is unsecured; there are no separate fall protection measures. Routes are up to 60 kilometres long, have an elevation gain of less than 1,500 metres and a maximum gradient of 17%.
- Difficult (black): Long and/or steep routes. The difficulty is considered even greater than that of medium-difficulty sections. Good mountain bike equipment is just as essential as riding in a manner suited to the situation and anticipating hazards. Steep terrain adjacent to the trail is unsecured; there are no separate fall protection measures. Routes are over 60 kilometres long, have an elevation gain of more than 1,500 metres and a gradient of 17%.
The opening of the mountain bike trails is a joint project between ÖBF AG and the Province of Salzburg.
One of the most common causes of accidents when mountain biking is overestimating one’s abilities. This applies not only to technical skill, but of course also to strength and fitness. Cycling is an endurance sport and can quickly take its toll. That is why it is all the more important to be able to assess yourself realistically, plan your rides accordingly and, if necessary, know when to call it a day. After all, nothing is more frustrating than being wise after the event.
Planning and preparation are half the battle. The same goes for cycling. After all, this is the only way to truly enjoy the freedom of the saddle with all your senses. What is the route like, what difficulties can be expected, and do the difficulty level and ability of all the participating mountain bikers actually match up? To answer these questions properly, it’s advisable to study books, maps and reviews in detail. Both online and offline. And then there’s the weather, which, as experience shows, can change more quickly in the mountains than you’d like.
Therefore: always adapt planned tours to the current conditions to be on the safe side.
Of course, we all want to be free to roam the mountains as we please. But there are boundaries we must respect. To protect the local flora and fauna, avoid getting in the way of local farmers and foresters, and respect the rights of landowners, you should only ride on authorised roads and paths and observe local barriers. Nothing is more unpleasant than getting into legal trouble after a lovely bike ride.
Before every ride, check your brakes, tyre pressure, wheels, suspension and gears. Only then can you focus fully on your ride. However, things can always go wrong, which is why you should carry a lightweight tool kit and repair kit with you when out and about. To prevent serious damage or spot it early, you should also have your bike checked by a specialist workshop once a year. Our tip: Clean and maintain your bike after every ride.
Depending on the length of the upcoming trip, you should also make sure you have the right kit with you. As a general rule, it’s always better to take too much than too little. In any case, EVERY rucksack should contain warm clothing, rainwear, a repair kit, a first-aid kit, a mobile phone, a torch, gloves, glasses, and food and drink. It is also advisable to check all participants’ equipment before each ride and top up supplies if necessary.
There should be no further debate on this matter. As soon as you get on your bike, you must be wearing a helmet. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going uphill or downhill. After all, often all it takes is a small stone or a slippery root for you to find yourself off your bike against your will. If you want to be absolutely sure, it’s advisable to wear various protective gear in addition to head protection.
As soon as pedestrians are around, cyclists need to adapt and show consideration. It’s not just about avoiding accidents, but about respectful coexistence on the mountain. Give plenty of warning, slow down, and there’s nothing to stand in the way of friendly interaction between cyclists and walkers. As a general rule, you should avoid cycling on busy footpaths.
Everyone enjoys the thrill of riding faster. However, in areas with poor visibility or where there are hazards – such as sharp bends, tunnels, bridges and cattle grids – you must adjust your speed or dismount. Always be ready to brake so that you can swerve out of the way in good time and avoid accidents.
Cyclists are merely visitors in the countryside. We must never forget that. For this reason, we leave no litter behind and keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb wildlife. By braking carefully, we prevent soil erosion and minimise damage to the paths.
Last but not least, one of the most important rules to follow when mountain biking in the countryside: respecting the lives and peace of animals is our top priority. For this reason, we only ride during daylight hours to minimise disturbance. If you do need to approach an animal, do so only at walking pace. Make sure to close any pasture gates behind you after passing through.
More information on how to interact safely with nature can be found on the website of the ‘Respect Your Boundaries’ initiative run by the Province of Salzburg.