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Cycling in the Parks: Yes, but...

Aug. 27, 2024
The reasons behind a ban
A Park Authority, such as the one managing the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps, adopts regulations, norms, and ordinances that may limit human activities, both recreational and residential and productive. The institutions tasked with safeguarding ecosystems of particular value have the duty to constantly explore new forms of coexistence of humans in a natural environment rich in biodiversity. The aim of this column is to explain the reasons behind the bans, helping the public understand certain restrictions aimed at conserving a territory that is healthy and accessible while respecting the needs of all species.


Watch out for regulations!

During the summer, park rangers intervened on several occasions to caution mountain bikers who were riding on trails and paths within the Alpi Cozie Parks that were prohibited for bicycles. Some individuals justified their actions by mentioning they had followed directions downloaded from certain websites or apps, but unfortunately, the regulations of a protected area do not allow for ignorance of the rules. Therefore, we take this opportunity to reaffirm the restrictions in place in the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps and explain the reasons behind them.

Bikes yes, bikes no

In the Natural Park of Val Troncea and the Natural Park of Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, there are certain limitations on the use of bicycles. In general, the ban is applicable to all trails, while on roads, it is mandatory to "give priority to pedestrians, avoid creating dangerous situations, hindrances, or causing harm to the environment," and always, of course, respect the rules of the road. Finally, downhill biking and the use of fat bikes on snow are prohibited.
At the end of the text, there is a list of roads where cycling is allowed.

Why yes, why no?

To better explain the reasons for the limitations on the use of bicycles in the Alpi Cozie Parks, we involve a park ranger, Alessandro Perron, who is also passionate about mountain biking in his personal life and therefore capable of understanding the needs of both the Park Authority and those who engage in this beautiful activity.
"Park regulations," Perron explains, "primarily have a preventive rather than punitive purpose: to protect the environment and its visitors before sanctioning them. When it comes to cycling, indeed, various safety issues need to be considered for users and environmental protection." Perron was recently hired by the Alpi Cozie Parks and is the youngest member of the surveillance team, but he has researched the history of the Park Authority to fully understand the motivations behind these restrictions.
"My older colleagues have told me that when the regulations were being developed, the main goal was to primarily ensure the safety of people, cyclists, and hikers, by prohibiting trails that are steeper and more rugged. And there were far fewer practitioners back then, before the trend of electric bikes... As part of the surveillance team, we often have to handle rescue operations for injured cyclists due to falls and accidents. Roads, on the other hand, are wider and more spacious, making them more suitable for the coexistence of both categories of users. Roads are more accommodating for the mutual respect between those who move slowly, on foot, and enjoy observing plants and animals without the fear of being hit by a bike. My advice to cyclists, therefore, is to further limit their speed within a protected area."

"But Alessandro is also a cyclist who loves training in nature at a solid pace and the adrenaline of a descent on rugged terrain.
"Fortunately, the territories of high Valsusa and Val Chisone offer a large number of roads and trails, outside the park, where you can let loose and have fun, always with safety in mind, remember! There are also areas specifically equipped for downhill biking with trails and a rescue service in case of accidents. The principle governing protected areas, however, is different: here, we humans are guests of nature, equal inhabitants to all those dwelling in these ecosystems. Firstly, bikes cause greater erosion on trails, with the risk of channeling water and causing runoff issues. Moreover, moving at sustained speeds poses a risk of surprising animals, scaring them and forcing them into excessively tiring or dangerous escapes. We must, therefore, accept the limitations that technicians and park rangers have identified as the right balance between environmental needs and user requirements."

 

Roads where bicycle circulation is permitted

Val Troncea Natural Park
  • Valley road to Alpe Troncea and Alpe Mey
  • Road running along the valley on the left bank of the Chisone Stream
Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park
  • Assietta Road
  • Road connecting the Park headquarters to Salbertrand with the Sapé hamlet of Exilles
  • Road from Pinea to Buissoniera, Etanche, and Ser Blanc
  • Roads linking the entrances of Ser Blanc, Enfers, and Alpe Laune (trail marker n. 4) with Montagne Seu hamlet and Alpe Le Selle, and with Colle Blegier
  • Cannon Road (trail marker n. 5) between the Assietta Road and the so-called Horse Shoe along the road towards Col Blegier
  • Road between Alpe Arguel and Assietta Road (Chiomonte municipality)
  • Road leading to Clot des Anes (Exilles municipality)