As anyone local will no-doubt already know a new cycle trail has been proposed in Plymouth. The problem is, the local ramblers are, as always, opposing (don't they have anything better to do in there time?!).
The main argument they're using against us is that we'll "go careering down the hill, putting others at risk". Well, it'll be a dedicated cycle trail, so they shouldn't be on it anyway.
Anyhow, if anyone has a minute to spare to sign the partition for it, that would be great.
...go careering down the hill, putting others at risk...
That's almost word for word the argument against a path over Tennyson Down on the IoW.
That's almost word for word the argument against a path over Tennyson Down on the IoW.
I'm not surprised, it's probably the best they can come up with.
Bump for the evening crowd.
Done
Done
Re the nay sayers, organise a meeting with them, say you'd like to address their concerns, be prepared for the worst most pedantic small minded nay sayers so they can't surprise/disappoint you and patiently talk to them about how it will help separate thrill sealing behaviour, ease pressure on the PROW network, help boost the local economy and any other locally specific needs/issues, talk about clear signage etc... Will look good to the LA making any decisions if such action are taken, even if just as a 'listening exercise', and may even (don't count on it) help address their concerns (which may just be born from naivety and ignorance) and reassure them...
It has been known to happen...
anyway. petition done. good luck!
Thanks for signing everyone, really appreciate it. It's going to be really good for the local area.
Re the nay sayers, organise a meeting with them, say you'd like to address their concerns, be prepared for the worst most pedantic small minded nay sayers so they can't surprise/disappoint you and patiently talk to them about how it will help separate thrill sealing behaviour, ease pressure on the PROW network, help boost the local economy and any other locally specific needs/issues, talk about clear signage etc... Will look good to the LA making any decisions if such action are taken, even if just as a 'listening exercise', and may even (don't count on it) help address their concerns (which may just be born from naivety and ignorance) and reassure them...
We have already had one meeting with them Friday gone, with all involved parties present. Not sure if another one is happening or not yet, but we're pulling the stops out to try and keep everyone happy. This is the third attempt to get permission for this now, twice they've forced us to re-plan a smaller track. Originally there was going to be a full cycle-centre, multiple skills areas and a much larger track. Shame it's been forced to get so much smaller as it would originally have benefitted them so much more as well. Ah well, at least this time it's looking somewhat more positive.
Only 439 signatures - come on!!!!!
Done
Done
Nimbyism's annoying but you can counter their argument pretty effectively with "Purpose built trails will reduce contention and risk as it will draw riders away from the shared-use trails". Shoots down their wonky argument, using their terms of engagement, and nicely rubs in "shared use" as well.
They'll still object but it'll be more obviously cobblers.
Nimbyism's annoying but you can counter their argument pretty effectively with "Purpose built trails will reduce contention and risk as it will draw riders away from the shared-use trails". Shoots down their wonky argument, using their terms of engagement, and nicely rubs in "shared use" as well.
The exact argument that has been put foreword.
Thanks again for signing everyone.
Done. Good luck.
Thanks again for signing everyone. The proposals went through the council today and we won! Permission has been granted and the plans will now be going ahead.
National Trust press release here: http://www.ntsouthwest.co.uk/2012/12/plym-valley-cycle-trail-given-approval/