Join this Peak Protest
By TMX Archives on 2nd Aug 12
An attempt to ban trail bikes from key routes in the Peak District National Park could be the start of a drive to eliminate motorcycle sport from the National Parks altogether, the Trail Riders Fellowship has warned.
At a recent public meeting hosted by the Peak District National Park Authority, elements of the anti-bike brigade made their desire to banish all forms of what they term ‘off-road' motorcycling only too plain.
While the current focus is on riders on road-legal trail bikes using vehicular rights of way, it is also clear that a vocal minority of campaigners would be happy to see all forms of motorcycle sport, from long-distance trials to motocross, banished from the park forever. Closing the Park's green lanes to bikes is just a first step as far as they are concerned.
The TRF has organised a protest ride on August Bank Holiday, which will see trail riders and others demonstrate to park bosses and the public what might happen if the Nimbys get their way.
"Organisations such as the Peak District Green Lanes Alliance often tell us that while we are welcome in the National Park they do not want us riding off-Tarmac, even though the routes we use are agreed by all to be vehicular rights of way,” protest ride organiser Mike Irving told Trials & Motocross News.
"So, on August 26, Bank Holiday Sunday, we intend to recreate the trail riding experience on Tarmac.
"We will travel using Tarmac lanes only to the key points of the Park's green lane network, including Long Causeway and The Roych, which they are seeking to ban us from. The TRF Code of Conduct will be observed, which includes a 25 mph maximum speed limit, we will also stop for horses, slow right down to first gear for walkers and make frequent halts to admire the views.
"We will ensure that the car parks at the ends of these iconic green lanes are filled with motorcycles, whose riders will be enjoying the lanes on foot for a change. This may make using the car parks difficult for other visitors, but at least their eyes and ears will not be sullied by our motorcycles on the lanes.
"Likewise, the presence of large numbers of motorcycles on the Park's roads travelling at 25 mph or less, will give residents and other visitors a foretaste of what life in the Park will be like if the 20 mph limits for rural roads postulated by Council for the Protection of Rural England and others are actually introduced. It will be slow and frustrating for people, but it will only be for one day.”
Mike added that everyone was free to join: participants didn't have to be TRF members or even motorcyclists.
"Whether you've got a trail bike, a road bike, a 4x4 or a car, you are welcome to come along and join in. We only ask that you are road legal, and prepared to observe the TRF Code of Conduct, including the vital 25 mph limit, while you are enjoying the Park,” he said.
"Our message to all who visit or live in the Park is to come and join us for a day's responsible protest. Our message to those who want to ban us from the Park is to be careful what you wish for.”
You can find more details of the ride and view the TRF's Code of Conduct at www.trf.org.uk
