All about biking
Safety & equipment
Panoramas, mountain meadows, glaciers - if you go on a bike tour in the high mountains, you’ll experience nature in a whole new way. But beware: safety takes priority, especially on steep roads and tight bends. The following rules and tips will make cycling in the high mountains a safe experience.
Rules
Control your speed at all times and carefully and slowly approach bends that are difficult to see. Watch out for obstacles (animals, stones, branches, barriers) and be aware of other road users.
Due to occasional forestry works it’s particularly important to always respect barriers and closed-off pathways. Otherwise, you risk injuries.
Hikers and pedestrians want to safely enjoy nature as well. Therefore, it’s best to only overtake them at a walking pace.
To protect animals and plants, you should stay on the marked mountain bike routes at all times. It goes without saying that you should always take any waste with you. If you see an open pasture gate, simply close it.
A helmet, functioning brakes, bell and lights are the foundation of a safe bike tour. Therefore, you should always check all the important functions in advance.
It’s important to evaluate your biking experience and abilities correctly. You’ll enjoy a safer biking experience by rather being too cautious than too risky.
The condition of single trails (natural paths) won’t be regularly checked or maintained. Therefore, you’ll ride at your own risk and should ideally only drive at walking pace.
Alpine dangers are, for example, darkness or falling rocks. Pay particular attention to these occurrences and plan your bike tour with foresight.
Equipment
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Food and drink (especially plenty of water)
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Mobile phone, money and ID
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First aid kit
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Bike lock
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Repair kit, tools, spare inner tube and air pump
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Rain cover (e.g. a poncho)
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Spare brake pads (for longer tours)
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Possibly a headlamp (for early darkness)
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Helmet, goggles and gloves
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Functional clothing
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GPS device or maps
For your safety
With the SOS-EU-ALP app, you can be found at any time in case of emergency. The app transmits your coordinates to the relevant control centre so that help can be sent your way. The app can be used for all emergencies - accidents in the mountains, on the ground, in road accidents or fires. You can find the SOS-EU-ALP app in your app store free of charge. Alternatively, you should make a note of the emergency numbers 122 (fire brigade), 140 (Alpine emergency call) and 144 (rescue emergency call).
Signposting
Pay attention to the cycle path signposting throughout your tour and follow the routes. This will keep you on the safe side and ensure you get to see all the highlights of the route. Familiarise yourself with the route in advance and ideally carry a map with you.
