Checking illegal bike trails in the Sihlwald forest

The following applies not only in Sihlwald, but in all forests in the canton of Zurich: riding and cycling is only permitted on paved roads and paths, but not on trails or even off the beaten track. Nevertheless, there are two bike trails in the Sihlwald near the Schweikhof that run through the middle of the forest and have been used by bikers for several years. A temporarily installed counting station registered between 2,200 and 2,800 rides per year. Several efforts by the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation to educate users and prevent them from riding on the illegal trails were unsuccessful.

Last weekend, the rangers carried out a check together with cantonal police officers. The rangers talked to everyone and informed them about the damage to the forest floor and the disturbance to wildlife caused by riding off the paved roads and paths, as well as about the Sihlwald conservation area. Discussions were held with a total of 60 people and 7 bikers and

3 pedestrians were reported to the Horgen district governor's office. Three joint checks were already carried out in 2018, during which 15 people were reported.

The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation implements the cantonal protection ordinance for the Sihlwald on behalf of the Canton of Zurich. A total of 56 kilometers of cycle paths are available in the Sihlwald. These include narrower paths, which are an alternative to the illegal bike trails.

Further information

Monday 12 to 13 o'clock
Isabelle Roth
Head of Natural Forest
044 722 55 17
isabelle.roth@wildnispark.ch