Polish GOPR warns of surge in mountain bike crashes in the Beskids

Since 27 June, the Beskid Mountain Rescue Service (GOPR Beskidy) has intervened in 23 incidents, 15 of which involved mountain‑bike riders on the region’s popular trails. The most serious accidents occurred at the Skolnity Wisła Ski & Bike Park and Szczyrk Mountain Resort, causing spinal, chest and head injuries, loss of consciousness, multiple fractures and limb wounds.

GOPR published photos of shattered helmets to stress that while a helmet cannot prevent a fall, it can dramatically reduce injury severity. The rescue team urges cyclists to wear well‑fitted helmets, to study trail maps, assess difficulty levels and honestly evaluate their own skills and fitness before heading out. It also promotes the free “Ratunek” smartphone app, which allows accident victims to instantly share their precise location with rescuers, helping to speed up response in the mountainous terrain.

The service concludes its bulletin by wishing all summer trail users a safe and enjoyable holiday.