The cantonal government in Central Switzerland has released the proposed network for public consultation 10 days ago, giving residents, municipalities and organizations 30 days to submit comments.
The plan is intended to create a formal framework for mountain biking across the canton while balancing recreation, tourism and environmental protection.Officials say designated routes will help direct mountain bikers toward suitable trails, reducing the risk of damage to fragile ecosystems and curbing the development of unauthorized paths.
The network is also expected to support sustainable tourism and local recreation, giving visitors and residents clearer access to established cycling routes.
A key feature of the proposal is its reliance on existing infrastructure. Around 97% of the planned network would use trails and paths that already exist, rather than requiring the construction of new routes.
That approach is designed to encourage mountain bikers and hikers to share trails rather than creating separate networks for each activity. Authorities also say the plan would require little or no major new infrastructure, helping limit environmental impacts while keeping maintenance costs lower for municipalities.
The network was developed over several years with input from tourism, forestry and environmental authorities.
The plan also establishes responsibility for accidents, with mountain bikers generally expected to assume primary responsibility for their own safety while using the routes.
Following the public consultation and final approval, Fribourg plans to install signage and develop the routes for tourism purposes.
Authorities will then monitor how the network is being used, including whether riders are sticking to official routes and whether mountain bikers and hikers are successfully sharing trails.
If recurring conflicts or environmental problems emerge, the canton says additional measures could be introduced.
The proposal reflects a broader challenge facing Alpine destinations as mountain biking becomes increasingly popular: how to expand outdoor recreation without creating new environmental pressures.
