With the start of summer, the Austrian Alpine Association is introducing an innovative solution to reduce conflicts between mountain bikers and hikers: the Trailbell. This small bell, attached to the mountain bike or backpack, is intended to alert people to the presence of cyclists early on and thus improve cooperation on the mountain.
Mountain biking remains one of the most popular summer sports in the Alpine Club, with many bikers using both forest roads for ascent and hiking trails for descent. This practice is to be harmonized through the use of the Trailbell to ensure safety and the nature experience for all.
René Sendlhofer-Schag, the Alpine Club's mountain bike coordinator, stresses the importance of consideration and respect for peaceful coexistence on mountain trails. The Trailbell offers an elegant solution by ringing in a timely and gentle manner without disturbing the surroundings, unlike loud bicycle bells.
The Trailbell can also be muted on forest roads to preserve the peace and quiet in nature. Together with conscious driving behavior and driving technique courses from the Alpine Association, the Trailbell helps ensure that both mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy the mountains safely and respectfully.
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