RISTIVOJEVIĆ: HOW EAST SARAJEVO CAN BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL MTB DESTINATION

East Sarajevo is located at a strategic point for the development of mountain biking. We have terrain configuration that rivals the best European centers, but the development of a destination does not end with the existence of hills and forests. It begins where professional knowledge, sustainable infrastructure, and — most importantly — joint effort come together.

PHOTO: MTB Evolution

PHOTO: MTB Evolution

PHOTO: MTB Evolution

So far, development, primarily through the work of the Evolution Cycling Club and the construction of Bike Park Evolution, has shown that knowledge and enthusiasm are key drivers. However, if we want to move from “local trails” to an “international destination,” we must shift from passive use of resources to active participation in creating them.

The Challenge: The Difference Between Users and Builders

We often encounter a situation where trails are perceived as a public good that “someone else” should maintain. We receive reviews, suggestions for better signage, and praise for the work, which is welcome, but it is important to understand one thing:

The trails in our area are not a commercial product — they are the result of thousands of hours of volunteer work, sweat, and personal sacrifice.

Appeals to “contractors” for more signs or better maintenance are valuable, but in a volunteer-based system they have only one logical answer: “Come and help us build them.” Every sign on a trail represents someone’s free time invested in the safety of all of us.

Strength in Unity: Who Can Contribute?

The development of cycle tourism is not the task of a single club. It is a mosaic in which every organization in East Sarajevo has a role. Imagine the potential if all key stakeholders gathered around a common goal — improving and promoting trails:

Local cycling clubs

Regardless of discipline (road, XC, or enduro), we all use the same infrastructure. Joint trail maintenance actions are standard practice worldwide.

Mountaineering associations

Our trails often intersect. Cooperation on marking and keeping paths passable reduces conflicts in the field and increases safety for all users.

Tourism organizations

Your role is to be the bridge between what we build and the visitors who bring economic value to the city.

Mountain Rescue Service (GSS)

Partners in mapping the fastest access and evacuation routes, which directly raises the destination’s rating on platforms like Trailforks.

Environmental organizations

Caring for the forests we ride through is a shared priority and responsibility.

What Do We Gain from Cooperation?

If every organization that uses the trails invested just one working day per year in maintenance, East Sarajevo would have the best-maintained trail network in the Balkans within two years. The math is simple:

Greater safety for all recreational riders and tourists.

Better promotion, because a well-built trail markets itself through social media.

System sustainability by reducing pressure on individuals who currently carry most of the maintenance burden.

PRO TIP: How to Start

You don’t have to be a trail-building expert to help. It’s enough to contact a local club and ask: “When is the next clean-up action?” Even removing branches from a trail or fixing a single sign makes a huge difference. Wheels wear trails out, but hands build them.

Questions About MTB Community Development

Who maintains the MTB trails in East Sarajevo?

Currently, the trails are mainly maintained by volunteers and members of the MTB Evolution club. The goal is to involve the wider community and institutions so maintenance becomes systematic.

How can I contribute if I’m not a professional?

Expertise is not crucial. Help with clearing branches, marking trails, or simply joining work actions is invaluable.

Is cycle tourism profitable for the local community?

Absolutely. Well-maintained trails attract tourists who use hospitality and accommodation services, turning natural potential into an economic resource.

The author of the text is Marko Ristivojević, founder of MTB Evolution and a professional bicycle service technician, Trailforks administrator for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is actively involved in the development of mountain biking in East Sarajevo through trail building, education, and promotion of the sport.