Interesting addition to the debate.
I started the Bath thread, although I pointed the finger at the equestrian lobby I should point out that it's not year clear who (if anyone) asked for it to be "improved".
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/pipehouse-lane-nr-bath-improved
That trail is not perhaps the best example to pick but as pointed out in that thread the local equestrian lobby has specifically campaigned for other local trails to be improved.
Details here:
the Mendip Bridleways & Byways Association Website
As the examples they give on their site show not all the work they call for is 'sanitisation' or 'improvement', quite often they just trim back overgrowth or sort drainage which of course improves trails for us as much as them.
http://www.mbba.org.uk/routes.htm
Three Ashes Bridleway - Stoke St Michael
In response to an MBBA member’s request, the committee duly walked this bridleway in the Autumn of 2009 together with Sheila Petherbridge, who was at that time, the Rights of Way Officer for Mendip District Council. As you will see from the photos, the route was in a pretty bad way and riders were not using it when wet. Large rocks were embedded in the ruts and the surface was very boggy and impassable in places. A considerable budget of over £3,000 and a detailed job spec were agreed with the MBBA contractor, Russell Bateman and after a very wet winter, work commenced in June 2010.
The improvements are obvious in the photos below and should result in a good all-weather surface for many years to come. The clean-stone topping will bed in and mud will be walked across the path enabling grass to grow in due course. Shortly, the gates are due to be re-hung and horse friendly latches will be added to enable riders to enjoy an unhindered ride through this pretty area.
Before
"Not an easy ride and you’ll have to dismount for the gate!"
After
"That’s better"
As I said in the other thread: I suppose the simple answer is it's no good complaining and not doing anything about it. I'm in touch with the local IMBA rep and together we plan to talk to the local authority.
