LEGAL RIDING UNDER THREAT
15 January 2004 - MAG UK

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has extended the range of its campaigning by endorsing the position of the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) on green lanes.

MAG supports the response of the TRF to a consultation document on the subject issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael launched his proposals to curtail the inappropriate use of mechanically propelled vehicles on Rights of Way in December.

Mr Michael is clearly concerned about the level of illegal and annoying motorcycling riding on wasteland, open country, footpaths and bridleways.
But the proposals will put an end to many trails currently used and set a precedent whereby motorcycle use can be curtailed from the countryside on the most spurious and ill-informed grounds.
The TRF have long sought better enforcement against those who illegally use motor vehicles on rights of way and recognise that Illegal riding is a very real problem in places - but in seeking to combat it effectively, the proposed changes will hit law-abiding riders, while probably doing little to deter illegal riders and cause a great deal of difficulty when implemented by the Highway Authorities.

MAG wholly supports the use of RUPP''s (Road Used as a Public Path) by law abiding users –who adhere to such trail riding etiquette as laid down by the Trail Riders Fellowship. MAG does not support illegal bikes/quads using Footpaths and Bridleways.

The closing date for responses is the 19th March 2004. A full TRF Action Pack on responding to the consultation writing to your MP and the Minister can be found at www.mag-uk.org

www.mag-uk.org

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