📊 ProVTT 2025 General Assembly: Mobilization, Review, and Outlook 📊
On May 7, around forty members and supporters of the ProVTT Valais association gathered at the Brasserie Valaisanne in Sion for the annual General Assembly. The event provided an opportunity to take stock of a year 2024 rich in concrete actions, political initiatives, and mobilization around the development of sustainable, structured, and voluntary mountain biking in Valais.
📌 An ever-increasing political and community commitment
The committee presented the numerous actions undertaken in 2024, with a focus on political and legal efforts surrounding the issues of mountain bike route approval. Faced with cantonal practices deemed opaque or unbalanced, ProVTT is continuing its efforts with the relevant departments, notably through close discussions with various cantonal departments (SETI, SDM, SDT, SAJMTE, etc.). Numerous proposals are on the table to improve transparency and ensure greater involvement of users in the validation processes.
Requests were also submitted to the Grand Council by MPs Nathan Bender and Bruno Moulin.
The objective: to establish a genuine dialogue with cantonal services and advocate for a coherent vision of the Valais cycling and mountain biking strategy.
🛠️ From the field to action: interviews and expertise
On the trail side, five days of maintenance mobilized around a hundred hours of volunteer work in Conthey, Evolène, Vercorin, Saxon, and Orsières. These concrete actions helped consolidate ProVTT's image as a committed player in the quality and sustainability of the network.
Two external presentations enriched the meeting's discussions:
- Cyril Schaad (Valrando) presented a case study in the Val d'Hérens, concerning SuisseMobility route no. 141 "Esserte Bike". His presentation illustrated the difficulties encountered: the initially ambitious project was gradually scaled back due to negative feedback from cantonal authorities and private opposition. The final approved route now only represents a partial trace, which calls into question the relevance of current approaches.
- The BikePlan company has provided an assessment of approved routes and those in the process of being approved. The message is clear: Upper Valais has taken a head start thanks to better anticipation, but this momentum must now extend to central Valais and Lower Valais. BikePlan highlighted the importance of associations like ProVTT, which play a key role in relaying local needs and strengthening the impact of planning initiatives and the pressure placed on cantonal stakeholders.
🎫 The Trail Card: concrete support for sustainable cycling
The Trail Card, a support card for the association, continues to unite around the values of respect, maintenance, and solidarity. It funds maintenance days while rewarding members' commitment. New developments are currently being considered, including local partnerships and loyalty benefits.
👥 Committee Renewal
Three new members are joining the committee: Malvine Moulin, Patrick Dubuis, and Cédric Monnet, strengthening the policy, trail maintenance, and communications departments. The association thanks Bruno Moulin and Joseph Cordonier for their commitment throughout their terms.
🍔 A friendly and festive evening
After the official discussions, it was time to relax! Thanks to the generous support of the Brasserie Valaisanne, the beers flowed freely to accompany the discussions. The evening concluded with 33 guests gathered around delicious burgers and homemade tartares, in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere!
🎯 Conclusion
The 2025 General Assembly marks a new milestone in the development of a close-knit, demanding, and proactive mountain biking community. ProVTT Valais will continue its commitment in 2025 to defending the interests of riders, maintaining trails, and influencing the political and technical processes that shape the future of mountain biking in our canton.
