The government has acknowledged the importance of trails for tourism.
Though Austria is home to some of the best bike parks in Europe, it has an old law on the books hindering trail development in other parts of the country.
Thankfully the Austrian government has seen the value of mountain biking and set out to change that. Watch Youtuber Dieter explain the Changes in the Central European country below.
It is a huge step that the Government of Austria has recognized mountain biking’s important role in tourism.
With that in mind, the government created an official strategy to bring bike trails to more parts of the country and catch up with their neighbors France and Switzerland. This is a welcome step after years of a 1975 environmental protection law, getting in the way of bike access.
Though it is a coincidence, it is notable that this decision came around the same time that Fabio Wibmer made it onto the Forbes 30 under 30 list. A pro rider getting recognized in the business world is certainly a stamp of approval for the sport.
Trail access is the most important thing for the sport of mountain biking. Without trails, there is no sport. Props to the Austrian government for committing to create more access.
Source: Bikemag By Zander Lingelbach-Pierce
Credits to ALL MOUNTAIN & TRAIL youtube channel