GREEN ROADS ARE BETTER THAN BLACK
THOUGH OPINIONS MAY VARY !
HALL 4 | 4C01
The market now offers an ever-increasing diversity of bikes , enabling more riders to leave the tarmac and explore the unsealed Green Road network , making what ’ s commonly referred to as Trail Riding more accessible than ever before .
“ Seeing more people out on the trails is great , but without wishing to sound like the fun-police , this comes with an increased risk of losing the little access we have left if riders stray from legal routes or behave inappropriately ,” comments Jonathan Bentman ( JB ), the Trail Riders Fellowship ’ s Head of Communications .
Successive restrictive legislation has seen public access to the countryside diminish , leaving the Green Road network at just 6,000 miles , compared to a total highways network of 350,000 miles .
“ It ’ s critical that riders understand they share these spaces with others , such as walkers , cyclists , horse riders , and landowners – many of whom are surprised to encounter motorcycles – and that their behaviour has a significant impact on the long-term future of Trail Riding . We must ride in a responsible and sustainable manner ,” adds TRF ’ s CEO , Graeme Collins .
The TRF has developed a widely respected Code of Conduct , and to help riders stay on the often narrow and winding legal routes , it has mapped these unsealed roads on its online Green Road Map ( GRM ). The GRM also serves as a centralised tool for managing the conservation of the network .
“ The TRF has modernised significantly in recent years , which has seen our membership grow to 10,000 members across 43 groups throughout England and Wales ,” JB continues . The organisation is a not-forprofit , with every pound it generates , largely through memberships , reinvested in the future of Trail Riding .
“ Defending public access is both complex and costly , and when we have to resort to legal action , it can cost as much as £ 60-70K to defend access to just one road ,” Graeme explained .
Thankfully , Trail Riding is gaining greater recognition for its physical and mental health benefits , thanks to the immersive experience it offers in nature , as well as the sense of adventure and discovery it provides . Riders also bring social and economic value to local communities . Its future , however , JB and Graeme stress , lies very much in the hands of the riders . Riding considerately and respectfully is key .
RIDING FEATURE 41