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....can riders adhere to the voluntary riding ban. NWMBA have received an email from the Access Officer for Snowdonia National Park stating riders are ignoring the ban. The ban is in place for very good reasons including rider and pedestrian safety. If the ban is flouted access could be removed completely. NWMBA and other groups have worked hard to continue to ensure MTB are allowed on the mountain. Please don't ruin this.
Cheers.
I know it's a sensitive topic but citing "rider and pedestrian safety" as a reason for a ban is a bit of a hostage to fortune. Surely getting out the message that "it's shit trying to descend as it's so busy" would be a better approach?
Maybe there should be a week or two in the year solely for biking with no walkerists 😉 But yeah - liking that scotroutes.
including rider and pedestrian safety
Nonsense. It's there because the main route is busy and to placate grumpy walkers. How busy exactly is Rhydd Dhu on a Monday morning though?
I agree with the ban entirely but say they did bring in a full ban how would it be enforced? Would the wardens chase lads on bikes? Plus ignoring a footpath ban won't get you in prison therfore no consequences?!
I see the keyboard warriors are out in force this morning.
Rider and Pedestrian safety was a topic of discussion during the meetings. Along with other reasons the ban is in place. Including respecting other users.🙄
Regardless of any ban, voluntary or not, would i **** want to go riding anywhere that’s popular with walkers.
Nonsense. It’s there because the main route is busy and to placate grumpy walkers
This x10000
To say it's in place for safety reasons is just wrong.
I was there Saturday, I don't know about Grumpy walkers, we spoke to more than a dozen walkers going down as we were going up and everyone was friendly.
One guy asked "Are you allowed to ride here then?" in a tone that lead me to believe he knew the answer, but I played along, gave the 10am to 5pm embargo rule, which he followed up with "all year?" Which we gave the correct answer to too, he seemed pleased. I was too, We decided to push up at about 3pm figuring that was okay, pushed the parts that we completely empty and easier to ride figuring you never know who's looking.
Since we are 'banned' from virtually all the good, natural trails in the UK owing to them being footpaths personally I think a ban on any of the few decent bridleways we have is laughable. If anything hikers should be banned. As it happens I give Snowdon the same treatment I give any other big, popular mountain. Ride at dawn, dusk or midweek outside of school holidays. That is purely common sense to reduce the irritation of having to deal with militant walkers who frustratingly have the ridiculous law on their side and stop at nothing to get in the way. The fact that this aligns with the voluntary 'ban' is entirely coincidental.
It's absolutely in place for safety reasons. I ride Snowdon a lot myself but my ex used to walk it all the time and got hit by a mountain biker who was screaming down at a busy time, slaloming between walkers.
650,000 people climb Snowdon every year. It's ****ing busy. If you can't stick to the ban you're a prick. It's not hard. Get up early or go up later on if you must ride it in the summer. If you do it in the day, regardless of safety, then you'll have a bad ride anyway as you'll be stopping for pedestrians all the time.
Idiots will be idiots though.
Riders flouting the ban are harming everything we have achieved over the last 10+years in keeping MTB access on the mountain.
At a time when access to the countryside is being looked at these agreements are a great example of access users working together on a common goal. Simply put it our sport can not be responsible why would National Parks allow us further access or changes to access laws.
The ban is in place. Adhere to it or lose access.
Agree 100÷ monkeysfeet.
I've not been up there for a while, I presume the ban is well signposted and riders are just being dicks?
"Keyboard warriors" because they don't agree with you? 😂
What you are supporting is the idea that it's ok to ban mountain bikes wherever it's busy or there's been an accident involving one. That precedent has repercussions way beyond one hill in Wales and isn't a decision you are entitled to make on behalf of cyclists across the country.
Since we are ‘banned’ from virtually all the good, natural trails in the UK owing to them being footpaths
Bollocks, you need to get out and explore more.
What you are supporting is the idea that it’s ok to ban mountain bikes wherever it’s busy or there’s been an accident involving one.
Bicycles are banned from Motorways as well - I suppose that is an unreasonable restriction on our liberties too? Especially when theres them gert big cycle paths painted down both sides!
The worst thing welsh government is still in the middle of processing the consultation about opening more (all?) footpaths to bikes. People flouting the ban are giving such a ridiculous amount of ammunition to those who would oppose that they are more than likely shitting all over any chance of that now happening. Way to go guys!
I'm amazed people want to go anywhere near Snowdon during the tourist season. It's pretty much stuffed to bursting with the sort of people that can be normally found at the Mall and have all the sense and situational awareness of a fish finger.
There are mountains nearby that are deserted, don't have idiots all over them and silly bans. Leave Snowdon to the tourists
I’m amazed people want to go anywhere near Snowdon during the tourist season. It’s pretty much stuffed to bursting with the sort of people that can be normally found at the Mall and have all the sense and situational awareness of a fish finger.
Exactly the message that needs to get out.
I agree with nickc - way too busy in the holiday period.
You can't really 'ban' cyclists though when all you have to do is lift your bike over a stile.
I agree with the ban as it is a busy mountain and I will observe it, I'm considering a trip up in a few weeks, late evening. But a partial ban or full ban is not really going to make any difference to people who want to ride it.
Surely a voluntary agreement not to ride should be seen as just that.
Some people don't volunteer. It's the minority
The vast majority who do observe the times are greatly helping the cause. Surely a positive thing.
It seems to have been turned into an 'actual' ban where anyone who didn't know or disagreed is seen to be bringing everyone else down with them.
It's Snowdonia - are there really no other routes, you have to ride the tourist path ?
Should also be noted that revocation of access will only affect riders who currently support and observe the agreement. Those riders who don't currently observe it will continue to ride up and down the mountain whenever they fancy.
I'm sure that the current agreement has led to far fewer mtbers leaving the summit at peak hours and coming into conflict with walkers. Complete compliance may be unrealistic.
I support and adhere to the voluntary ban. However, a permanent ban is going to impact people like me, but unlikely to have any impact on those currently ignoring the ban as they've already demonstrated their inability to give a shit.
Jekkyl - I believe if a ban were to be brought in it would be a bylaw and as such would be enforceable. Different to using a footpath in general.
P Jay - no it's not ok to go up at 3, that's why the ban is 10-5. Why did you think that would be ok, was the ban not clear? Post 5 gives more than enough time to get up and down and makes for quiet trails.
P Jay – no it’s not ok to go up at 3
Yes it is, he was walking with a bike, not riding it - he made that clear in his post. The ban is on cycling.
Having said that, most sensible people would not have a problem with someone riding a bike at walking pace (or less!) uphill.
Is this signposted? I know many folk who do not frequent online forums, and who would just turn up with no map to ride Snowdon completely unaware.
I also know that many folk are just idiots, and you cannot argue with them or label them as riders. They are fools.
The vast majority of folk respect the ban.
I also agree with marketing it as 'it is too damn crowded' is a smarter move than 'oooh, its risky'.
I thought there was a voluntary agreement not to ride there. This has now become a ban, it seems. However, yes - it’s busy and therefore rubbish to ride like any busy path.
Yes it is, he was walking with a bike, not riding it – he made that clear in his post. The ban is on cycling.
Having said that, most sensible people would not have a problem with someone riding a bike at walking pace (or less!) uphill.
I think that kind of attitude does piss a lot of people off though.
<p>What you are supporting is the idea that it’s ok to ban mountain bikes wherever it’s busy or there’s been an accident involving one. That precedent has repercussions way beyond one hill in Wales and isn’t a decision you are entitled to make on behalf of cyclists across the country.</p>
<p>The ban is already in place. The post is a reminder to those that are not adhering to it. It isn't a question of whether or not you disagree with me.</p><p>Your post is incorrect. As a member of an organisation that provides a voice to the sport I do speak on behalf of the MTB community. People like me give up their free time to attend meetings and canvas our sport on behalf of riders.</p><p>If you don't already, try attending the access meetings that have been advertised recently surrounding open access.</p>
I think that kind of attitude does piss a lot of people off though.
Why? The ban is on cycling. Pushing a bike uphill is definitely not cycling, and is both within the terms of the agreement and its spirit, which is to stop bikes flaying through packs of walkers at speed.

Why? The ban is on cycling. Pushing a bike uphill is definitely not cycling, and is both within the terms of the agreement and its spirit.
Because people interpret a sign that says 'No Cycling' to mean no bikes allowed. Biking is a minority sport, walking is much widely participated in. Piss off the majority and you are more likely to get a complete ban.
It also shouts a bit of childish behaviour.
A good analogy would be the seasonal restrictions on climbers accessing certain crags because of nesting or roosting birds or in some cases rare plants, admittedly these tend to have a "backstop" of a significant fine if you get caught climbing those routes or on those crags. Usually any transgressions are accidental or because the birds nested late.
As a result of pretty good compliance with the restrictions, in discussions I've had with the RSPB climbers are seen as an ally and there's an understanding if not agreeing ear should any problems arise. This has resulted in some restrictions being reduced or being flexible - the birds haven't nested at this site this year so no restrictions, that sort of thing.
The child like "I want, I want" from some about the seasonal restriction on Snowdon is frankly embarrassing.
I would like to point out, it is not a ban.
It is a voluntary agreement.
The sign is clear.
If a few folk choose to ignore it, then they personally should be spoken to in an attempt to see if they will help in future.
Because people interpret a sign that says ‘No Cycling’ to mean no bikes allowed.
I've come across walkers who think that a bridleway means them and horses only. I'm always happy to explain. I'd hope that the people who administer the agreement would be happy to define 'cycling' for anyone complaining.
It's already a pretty restrictive agreement. Let's not make it even more restrictive. Common sense suggests that the main risk from pushing a bike up Snowdon at 3pm on a sunny day is heatstroke, not walker carnage.
Is this signposted? I know many folk who do not frequent online forums, and who would just turn up with no map to ride Snowdon completely unaware.
Yes it is, at the start of every bridleway up snowdon, with a map showing which routes are out of bounds.
was up there a few weekends ago, rode up after 5pm and it was still really busy with walkers coming down, although pretty much had rangers to ourselves for the decent.
walked up the next day via ranger and saw two idiots coming down the zig zags at 2pm. Decent bikes and all the kit, so Mikey not newbies, but barely in control and clearly struggling. Wasn’t fun for any of the walkers around and cant imagine they were enjoying it
I think most mags & online guides mention it too when it's discussed, you have to be trying really hard to not know.
As for safety - you have a large number of walkers and bikes travelling at a much different pace, early you are mostly riding towards people coming up so you can see each other and leaving at 5pm it's normally very clear on the way back down. Between those times it can be a complete mess of people with no clear right of way/travel and several sections where you can be funnelled into a group of walkers. Anyone who can risk assess would pick it up as an issue.
Maybe they should start an uplift service on the train to get to the top for 5? Thus avoiding any confusion whether pushing a bike is ok or not.
Someone needs to ride down it at a very busy time wearing a video camera, post the result on YouTube and then get everyone to Like it. That way, anyone looking for it there will see how shit it is and be put off.
I just drive my 4x4 up, get the bike out, ride down, and wait for the authorities to bring it back down for me.
He got 22 months, apparently. Should have pushed up after five.
The train doesn't take bikes, which is a great shame. They are missing a trick though, I'm sure you'd get people willing to pay £100+ for a mountain uplift. Perhaps the authorities have disallowed it!?
Last time I went there it was April and I rode/pushed Llanberis and went down Rangers. The mountain was snow covered at the top and amongst the "you have shorts on, are you mad" comments, 2 groups of walkers told me bikes were banned from Snowdon. So it's not just riders.
I get the novelty factor of wanting to ride up / down Snowdon. Having walked up it I can also see how it would be a great challenge. But its busy, some of the paths are busy most of the year. Why would anyone want to ride down it when you know you are going to come into contact with large groups of walkers on a very regular basis?
Antur Stiniog isn't far away or Coed Y Brenin. Different riding, but at least its contained and away from walkers.
I also don't understand the "we have a right to ride it if we want", yes we do have a right. But why would we want to exercise that right when there is perfectly good trails that have been purpose built for us not far away. If we had walkers getting in the way at AS because they feel they have the same right, then we wouldn't be happy.
If we're talking about safety (which we aren't, because the ban isn't about safety, it's about the trail being busy), then surely sending riders, who are much more likely to find themselves in tricky situations (broken bones etc) than walkers, up after 5pm is a bigger danger?
What will happen with the ban if the Welsh access laws change? I assume if there is no option to downgrade the route there's nothing that can be done?
I've never broken the ban, but I have pushed up before 5. Because the point of the ban is to ease the pressure of riders going quickly downhill when it's busy, and pushing uphill isn't a problem.