RIGHTS OF WAY - END OF THE ROAD?
17 October 2005 - BMF

The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), Britain’s largest riders’ rights organisation, has condemned the Government’s decision to cap Britain’s ancient Rights of Way network.

The ban on private motorcycles and cars using ''green lanes'' is contained within the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Bill that received its third reading last week. It effectively removes any existing public Right of Way (RoW) status from an unsurfaced road if that RoW is not already recorded on a county’s definitive map and statement as a ‘Byway Open to all Traffic’ (BOAT).

As well as banning all private vehicles, including trail bikes and 4x4 cars from BOATs, the law also gives National Park Authorities the power to impose Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on byways in National Parks. This means a ban on trail bikes and other vehicles from the using the majority of unsurfaced roads within the UK.

The policing of RoW access has for years been confused by illegal use of footpaths and bridleways either through genuine ignorance of the law or wanton disregard by those using unlicensed machines say the BMF. This has been further complicated by the growth in trail bikes being used in urban parks and open spaces and a massive growth in the number of complaints made to MPs. This Bill, says the BMF, will not address that issue, but will only affect the law abiding user.

The BMF’s Land Access spokesman, Richard Olliffe, said: “We have been warning that this could happen. Rights of Way are invariably ancient roads that are legitimately enjoyed by motorcyclists and motorists alike. Progress made following the DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) consultation on the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on these roads has gone by the board. This is a classic case of the legitimate users being penalised through the activities of the cowboys – people who care little for the environment, motorcycling or anyone else but themselves.”

This legislation will now have the effect of concentrating legitimate leisure use on a reduced number of RoW while illegal and therefore unregulated use will continue.

The BMF will be lobbying members of the House of Lords in a last ditch attempt to prevent a draconian piece of legislation criminalising the activities of those who simply choose a motorcycle to enjoy the countryside.

www.betterbiking.co.uk

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