Alarming access rights to Yorkshire Dales

[pedalrog]

Bad news for walkers & cyclists' with a High Court decision to allow access for 4WD's on Yorkshires green lanes: http://www.go4awalk.com/news/157_offroaders2.php

[Michael R]

Put some short pices of wood with 2 inch nails in the ruts.

[7_lives_left]

Put some short pices of wood with 2 inch nails in the ruts.

I take it you are joking, otherwise not a good idea.

However I did observe a solitary walker in the middle of one of these green lanes in Berkshire intensely studying the view while a pair of 4x4's had to pull off the road to get past him. The walker somehow failed to even notice they where there . It was a very pleasant view. I wasn't able to lip read everything that the drivers were saying, but I think there were a few four letter words.

If I had had my wits about me, I could have joined in the fun too: "Sorry, no reverse gear."

[Flinders]

Vehicular access to green lanes should stop across the board, except for farmers' access. It was only ever intended to apply to horse-drawn vehicles, and the ultra-heavy mechanised vehicles using them now are wrecking them. At least one I know is to all intents and purposes impassable even on foot as a result.
I'm happy to say some 4WD morons tried it and got stuck. Sadly, the police and mountain rescue organisations rescued them. I'd have left them to try and find their own way out of the mess on foot, so they could experience the results of their selfish actions. The farmers can't get their vehicles up these lanes for the access they need to earn their livings, and everyone else's pleasure is spoiled, due to a small number of people who have such bad judgment of surface conditions that they can wreck in a year lanes that have been accessible for centuries.

[661-Pete-oldversion]

Quad bikes already have the run of most of the South Downs, it seems to me, (2-wheels as well as 4-wheels): I don't know whether it's legal or not (technically the South Downs Way is a Bridle Path I think, and other paths there are mostly B/P or F/P), but there's no stopping them. And as for their presence in the Scottish Highlands...

I would like to think the economic situation would rein them in, but not holding my breath...

[sirmy]

This could be a growing phenomena. After the NERC act reclassified all RUPPs not already reclassified or in the process of being reclassified, 4x4 drivers have been looking more actively for route that were used by motor vehicles before 1930. They've just managed to get Walna Scar Road in the lakes classified as a BOAT http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/row_order_advertising/councils/2009/documents/fps_q9495_7_21.pdf largely based on it being used for trials in the 20's

[Flinders]

Not Walna Scar Road? Oh no............

[flat tyre]

I cycle along the Southdowns way at weekends. Here and there the trail has been nicely flattened out and a smooth layer of hardstanding has been placed on top. This makes the ride nice and smooth and allows plenty of room to passing offroad vehicles, we pass each other by with a cheery wave, no more fighting over rights of way through a narrow mudbaths. I am shortly starting a petition for the government to treat all of our country trails and footpaths in a similar way, with perhaps provision given to areas for fast food franchises to be established at frequent intervals to provide refreshments to cyclists and drivers alike.

[gilesjuk]

People complain about mountain bikes chewing up the ground, 4x4s will do even more damage!

I'm sick to death of the rural lifestyle being increasingly invaded by petrol head 'chav' types. Racing cars and bikes around the roads. We can now add 4x4s to the increasing list of menaces.

[Michael R]

People complain about mountain bikes chewing up the ground, 4x4s will do even more damage!

I'm sick to death of the rural lifestyle being increasingly invaded by petrol head 'chav' types. Racing cars and bikes around the roads. We can now add 4x4s to the increasing list of menaces.

Back to my wood with nails