Despite existing measures such as speed limits, overtaking bans, and increased police checks, the accident situation has hardly improved in recent years. According to official figures, 97 motorcycle accidents were recorded between 2018 and 2024, in which two people were killed. A further 40 people suffered serious injuries and 58 minor injuries. In particular, there has been repeated talk of a significant deterioration in the situation over the last two years, which can be attributed to a shift in the problem following the closure of the Kesselberg.
Motorcyclists protest against driving ban
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, widespread resistance to the partial closure formed. Around 1,500–2,000 motorcyclists from all over Bavaria took part in a large-scale demonstration in Rosenheim. The event was organized by the Federal Association of Motorcyclists (BVDM), which is also taking legal action against the ban.
The first participants gathered in front of the Rosenheim district office at 11 a.m. A kick-off rally took place there at 12 noon. The focus was on an open discussion with Rosenheim District Administrator Otto Lederer (CSU), who faced some fierce criticism from the bikers (see video).
At around 1:45 p.m., a motorcycle procession accompanied by the police set off. The route led via Bad Feilnbach, Großholzhausen, and Brannenburg to the restaurant at Sudelfeld-Sattel, where the gathering ended at around 4 p.m.
Demands: Differentiation instead of collective punishment
The demonstrators criticized the partial closure as unjustified collective punishment. The measure also affects motorcyclists who behave in accordance with the law. There was repeated talk of “collective punishment.” Speeches called for alternative solutions, such as increased police presence, tougher penalties for speeders, and technical surveillance measures.
Some speakers accused the authorities of applying double standards: while motorcycles were being banned, souped-up cars and cyclists, who often ride side by side, were still allowed to use the route undisturbed.
Rainald Mohr, representative of the Federal Association of Motorcyclists, also criticized the CSU: The party publicly opposes driving bans for motorcyclists, but in this case supports precisely such measures.
District administrator defends the action
Otto Lederer rejected the accusations. The decision was not motivated by party politics, but was based on safety considerations. Initial evaluations had shown that the number of accidents had fallen significantly since the partial closure was introduced. However, this should come as no surprise, as the route was closed on one side, which naturally has a significant impact on its use by motorcyclists. According to Lederer, extensive traffic counts and checks had been carried out before the measure was implemented. However, he left unanswered the question of why these figures were not published. The BVDM has now requested access to the files in the course of the lawsuit.
On stage, Mr. Lederer merely pointed out that one could talk to the fire department, who would confirm that it had become much quieter on the Kesselberg.
Support for closure from the region
While bikers are fighting against the partial closure, numerous residents, alpine farmers, and dairymaids from the region are in favor of maintaining the current regulation. In an open letter to the district administrators of Rosenheim and Miesbach and to Member of Parliament Daniela Ludwig (CSU), around 100 signatories call for the measure to be continued. They justify this with a noticeable improvement in the traffic situation. However, it is not entirely clear whether the signatories are really concerned about traffic safety or rather about “traffic noise.”
Operational summary: Police praise disciplined behavior
The Upper Bavaria South Police Headquarters expressed satisfaction with the course of the gathering. Around 50 officers accompanied the event. The protection of participants was ensured by short-term traffic closures along the route. The police expressly praised the disciplined driving of the motorcyclists and their peaceful behavior throughout the gathering.
Head of operations Markus Jerger said: “It has been shown that the forward planning in advance contributed to the smooth and safe running of the gathering. The disciplined driving of the motorcyclists during the parade is particularly praiseworthy.”
Serious accident on the return journey
The peaceful course of the demonstration was overshadowed by a serious traffic accident on the return journey of some participants. At around 3:45 p.m., a serious collision occurred between a motorcyclist and a tractor on State Road 2089 between Großholzhausen (Raubling municipality) and Litzldorf (Bad Feilnbach municipality).
According to initial investigations, the 28-year-old tractor driver from Raubling wanted to turn left onto a dirt road when a column of motorcycles began to overtake. This resulted in several collisions: two motorcyclists crashed after a rear-end collision without contact with the tractor, and another biker crashed into the rear of the tractor. The 36-year-old man from the Rosenheim district was seriously injured and flown to the hospital by rescue helicopter. According to initial reports, his life was not in danger.
The accident site had to be closed for about two hours. Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing.
Conclusion: Conflict between safety and riding enjoyment
The demonstration at Sudelfeld highlights the growing tension between the desire of many motorcyclists for free access to popular routes and the efforts of the authorities to increase road safety. While bikers are calling for differentiation and targeted controls, residents and officials see the closure as a necessary measure to relieve pressure on people and infrastructure.
It remains to be seen what will happen to the Sudelfeld route. The two-year trial period ends in October 2026 – only then will the district authorities decide on a permanent regulation.
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