Mountain biking is very restrictively regulated in Austria and trails may only be used with the consent of the landowner. But regardless of this legal reality, mountain biking also takes place in Austria's mountains. Even away from approved routes, as these are only available in a very limited number of places in sufficient form, in a modern and attractive way. In most places in Austria, MTB trails are in short supply.
But in our view, coexistence is only very slightly dependent on approval. It is about encounters between people with similar needs and motives, but different sports equipment. As you shout into the forest, so comes back. And we would like to support this "call" with a ringing. As a charm offensive, the trail bell is a sign of considerate behavior and more respect on the mountain. How encounters take place still depends on the people themselves, and not on the sports equipment chosen. We are convinced that coexistence is also possible in Austria's mountains. With consideration, acceptance, tolerance and a little ringing on the trail...
The Trailbell from Alpine Association Austria is meant to usher in a new era. A time for more respect on the mountain and for better cooperation on our paths. Whether on the trail, on the hiking trail or on the forest road, this bell rings gently and early, announcing it to us mountain bikers and preventing moments of shock.
Especially in combination with a friendly “Hello and thank you” it’s good for your karma and then nothing can go wrong.
Die Trailbell in der Praxis:
Die Rückmeldungen aus dem Gelände sind durchwegs positiv. Die Schelle ist nicht nur hilfreich, sondern auch ein echter Icebreaker. Gespräche entstehen plötzlich da, wo vorher vielleicht nur Missverständnisse waren – und miteinander reden ist ja bekanntlich der Schlüssel zum Erfolg. Wandernde nehmen das kleine Signal überraschend wertschätzend an, und viele Mountainbiker:innen berichten, dass sie dadurch deutlich weniger Konflikte erleben. Kurzum: Sie funktioniert!
Auch intern beim Alpenverein ist man überzeugt: Der Artikel soll im AV-Shop auf keinen Fall fehlen. Zwar polarisiert die Trailbell – vor allem Menschen, die mit Mountainbiken generell ein Problem haben, melden sich kritisch zu Wort. Doch die Verkaufszahlen sprechen für sich, und der Wunsch nach einem rücksichtsvolleren Miteinander auf den Wegen ist spürbar gross.
“Good to know”: The Trailbell itself is attached directly to the handlebars or the chest strap of the backpack with a Velcro fastener. The clapper can be secured with a magnetic band. There are three modes: Completely open: then the Trailbell rings. Press the clapper lightly to the side and it rings softly, or you can secure the clapper with the magnetic band if there is no one in sight and you don't want the bell to make any noise.
It is also a good tool on forest roads or for tobogganers and can prevent accidents and frightening moments.
By the way, in Switzerland too, the Trailbell is already one of many measures within the framework of the FAIRTRAIL - Campaign.
