Comments on: Motor Vehicles Allowed Back On Some Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes

By: Ollie B

Ollie B — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:32:58 +0000

About time the TRO’s got overturned. The fact that they have been overturned by a court just goes to prove that the powers that be in the YDNPA are just ‘rights of way fascists’ who like think that they own the coutryside.

The myth that trail bikes (motorbikes) damage these lanes any more than other users is totally untrue, and there has even been government commissionsed reports proving this.
The real cause of damage to these lanes is mainly due to farm traffic and 4×4 use, as well as the sheer numbers of users on these lanes (yes that includes mountain bikers!)

Quite how a 150kg trail bike can cause as much damage as an 800kg horse or even a ~2000kg 4×4, I am unsure. All users need to realise that they too contribte to the damage to these lanes, and that it is not just one usergroup!

Anyway, now that YDNPA have lost the court case, the costs will unfortuately have to be paid for by the tax payer, as the Park Authority is a government related body. No doubt that this decision will have ultimately no bearing on the YDNPA’s future decisions, and that the self righteous, sly and vindictive ‘powers that be’ will ultimately try new ways to ban usergroups from these lanes, based on false, exaggerated and unfounded evidence.

By: Horse

Horse — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:45:34 +0000

To quote the Park’s statement; particularly sensitive ‘green lanes’

Trimix, you’re talking cobblers. The lanes in question can’t take off-road usage. Stockdale for example only has narrow gates, the farmers (Cowperthwaites) don’t use it, and Arncliffe Cote is, as previously pointed out a bowling green in places.

By: Trimix

Trimix — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:42:07 +0000

The more “green lanes” that are closed results in even more pressure on the ones that are open. Farming traffic and normal weather create more erosion than trail riders do.

By: Horse

Horse — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:58:09 +0000

Nope. Especially the climbs, they’ll get chewed to feck.

By: glenh

glenh — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:50:24 +0000

Street gate doesn’t even have a track on the ground for the most part – just grazing field.

That won’t last for long.

By: Horse

Horse — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:39:24 +0000

By the way, it’s only Gorbeck which is an U/C road which now has access, the others resort back to their “original” status which is Bridleways (with BOAT applications)

By: Horse

Horse — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:23:28 +0000

There’s erosion and then there’s devastation. Gorbeck before it’s repair is a good example, as is the Craven Wold, as is The Occy Road. There’s a distinct difference from MTB damage and the ruts that crossers make.

lowey, which ride is this?

By: hora

hora — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:52:04 +0000

Doesnt erosion make mountain biking more interesting and doesnt mountain biking speed up erosion? Live and let live. Im not a 4×4/green-laner etc but surely walkers/ramblers could also argue against mtb access if you want to get pedantic over such an issue. True- some lanes can be a quagmire after rain but why shouldnt other hobby users have access?

By: Gary_C

Gary_C — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:38:41 +0000

Mmmm….
Time for chains & padlocks to ‘mysteriously’ appear overnight on the gates.

By: lowey

lowey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:25:55 +0000

Street gate to Arncliffe Cote is like a bowling green, It will be ripped to shreds.

On another note, Horse, you joining us on the STW ride next week ?