MTB trails in urban areas: “In an Arm’s Reach of Desire” 

How can MTB trails be made more accessible to people in urban areas?

Written BY

At ALLEGRA, we have long been thinking about how to make MTB trails more accessible to people in urban areas. Similar to Coca-Cola's strategy of making their product "always within reach of desire", there should also be enough trail options available for users. 

In our internal discussions, we have developed a formula of three key elements that we want to place at the center of trail development: Accessibility, coexistence and sustainabilityHere's why we believe accessibility is paramount: Without accessibility, we cannot achieve sustainability or coexistence. 

Accessibility: It is about legally providing enough infrastructure to meet the usage pressure of all trail users. A single trail for 20,000 mountain bikers in a city will not be enough. A network of trails, pump tracks, bike parks, trail centers, skill centers, for example, is needed to ensure comprehensive accessibility. 

Coexistence: Coexistence is not just about peace on the trail, but also about mutual understanding between all stakeholders, including forestry, forest owners, hunting and authorities. Working together is essential for the acceptance and long-term success of our trail projects. 

Sustainability: When we talk about sustainability, we don't just mean environmental protection. We also include social and economic aspects of trail networks. Trails should have long-term positive effects on society and the local economy. 

MORE OF ALLEGRA

Fairtrail Graubünden and its impact

Fairtrail Graubünden summarizes its project duration and impact. One thing is clear: the coexistence project truly promotes respectful coexistence between bikers and hikers on the slow-traffic routes of the Graubünden mountains.

Miniparks, our set solutions for small areas

Miniparks are the space-saving (urban) set solution for more movement & skills on the bike.

Graubünden Bike: How participation makes a difference

Discover how Graubünden Bike is strengthening bike tourism in Graubünden. Agile, participatory projects promote cycling experiences for locals and visitors.

Gravel biking 2026: Opportunities for regions and companies 

Gravel biking will become a key trend in cycle tourism by 2026. This discipline offers regions in particular new opportunities to reach target groups, expand their offerings, and strategically utilize existing infrastructure.

This is how Graubünden Bike is shaping its future with the bicycle.

Discover how Graubünden Bike is strengthening bike tourism in Graubünden. Agile, participatory projects promote cycling experiences for locals and visitors.

Ounasvaara Trail Center in Finland

Four trails & matching VELOPARK elements: the perfect place to bike for all generations in Rovaniemi

Hollola Trail Center in Finland

A versatile trail center with a skill area has been created in a small space in Hollola!

The future of movement: Why trail centers are the new sports fields!

While artificial turf pitches offer clearly defined training areas, trail centers and skill parks provide variety, a nature experience, and space for all ages and skill levels. We examine how such biking facilities affect costs, space requirements, and their contribution to active communities.

Planning & construction: Red shared trail „MONTI MOTTI“ in Ascona-Locarno

The ALLEGRA Switzerland trail crew has transformed a historic hiking trail into a unique shared trail for hikers and mountain bikers, combining red riding level with some black elements.

In FLOW – The neuroscientific approach

Fun, fear, focus: The FLOW state is the brain's state of peak productivity. What does this mean for mountain biking?

Do you actually know

...what's really going on on your trails, hiking or cycling paths?

We use state-of-the-art technology to take (hybrid) frequency monitoring in alpine and urban areas to the next level!