Appenzell Innerrhoden Postpones Cycling Ban Decision After Heated Debate

After a two-hour debate, the Grand Council postponed the cycling ban vote. Critics argue for mutual respect and alternative route management.

, and Administrator

2025 October 20 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

In the image few people are riding bicycles. Behind them there is fencing. Behind the fencing there... — In the image few people are riding bicycles. Behind them there is fencing. Behind the fencing there are some tents and few people are standing. Behind them there are some trees and buildings.

Appenzell Innerrhoden Postpones Cycling Ban Decision After Heated Debate

Appenzell Innerrhoden Cantonal Parliament has postponed a decision on a controversial cycling ban. The proposed law, which aims to prohibit mountain bikes on hiking trails, sparked heated debate and criticism from Grand Council members.

The cantonal government initially suggested the ban, with the exception of explicitly marked cycling routes. However, the Grand Council, after a two-hour debate, decided to postpone the vote on the cycling ban until a future session.

Critics in the Grand Council argued against the proposed ban, describing it as a 'blanket ban on an entire sport'. They called for mutual respect between hikers and mountain bikers instead. The current president of the cantonal parliament, whose name was not explicitly found, is involved in the debate surrounding the new cantonal cycling traffic law.

The parliament discussed the new cantonal cycling law on Monday afternoon. The Innerrhoden Grand Council will vote on the law in a second reading before the Landsgemeinde makes a final decision. Additionally, a proposal to separate responsibilities and make the canton more accountable for the implementation and costs of cycling routes passed.

The decision on the cycling ban on hiking trails in Appenzell Innerrhoden has been delayed, following a heated debate in the Grand Council. The council called for mutual respect between hikers and mountain bikers, and the canton will now consider alternative approaches to Grand Canyon route management.