- Category:
- Common Interest -
- Description:
- Ashdown Forest is a large open area and cycling is currently banned.
Please Join to suppport our cause.
All comments supportive or adverse wil be gratefully received.
Post Messages - Email - Let's get the wheels rolling ! - Privacy Type:
- Open: All content is public.
Julie
Legalise Cycling & mountain Biking On Ashdown Forest
Join- Name:
- Legalise Cycling & mountain Biking On Ashdown Forest
- Category:
- Common Interest -
- Description:
- Ashdown Forest is a large open area and cycling is currently banned.
Please Join to suppport our cause.
All comments supportive or adverse wil be gratefully received.
Post Messages - Email - Let's get the wheels rolling ! - Privacy Type:
- Open: All content is public.
- News:
- Wednesday 8th Duncan and myself went along to see Mr Prentegast (as we have done a lot over the last year!) after initial discussions on other matters and the all important cup of tea we went into our discussion on biking on the forest. Duncan had made an initial rough agenda so we knew what we were going to discuss, and we met two days before to walk some of the proposed areas and on the day of the meeting to go through some bits. The first thing that really had to be presented to Hew was the route around the forest (as amended from our meeting in the pub), Hew saw one problem with this - a small area around Chelwood Vachery to the left which horses are not allowed to ride currently as they are doing some sensitive work there, but no other problems he could see!! Following on from this Duncan and myself both felt the meeting went exceptionally well, Hew was understanding to our cause to a certain extent and I think he appreciated the work all of us have done thus far, as it is something we are all passionate about (the forest and the bikes). Lots of bits came up such as policing etc. but to be honest we had good solid cases for all and most were debated and Hew was interested with the results. He was also particularly interested in the scheme of seasonal / time based riding to avoid the all important conflict issue. This is something although I think briefly suggested before we had not given as many other examples, particularly he was interested by Snowdons policy of in the height of summer limiting it to before 10am and after 5pm, we did not necessarily see this as a major problem as most cyclists are willing to get up early anyway to get there rides in. I explained this was a voluntary agreement between local cyclists and the Welsh / Snowdon tourism board and works very well, the leaflet produced states basically if people take the piss then it could result in a complete ban of bikes on Snowdon. This also followed on to formalising a club, although initially we would not have membership subs, payments for permits (possibly) etc it would formalise our campaign into a club with more muscle and rights to money from grants for this sort of thing, bedgebury did exactly this a few years ago. So with that in mind I propose as the first stage to get Ashdown Cycling Campaign and change it to Ashdown Cycling Club at least on our website at the moment, with a list of initial members (Graham any chance you could sort this out? Let me know if ok). We discussed the fact that there was large scale disappointment in the progress thus far and so many have decided it is not going any further and to go back to cycling anywhere on the main tracks of the forest. Hew said he was aware of this and stated that we try to convince anyone doing so to stop as it undermines our discussion, flaunts the rules and shows to members of the public that many of us are irresponsible. We stated no names but he was aware of some out Whych Cross way and around other areas whom are now cycling on the forest. Everyone has put a lot into this campaign and if we want future generations to enjoy the forest I think we are going to have to make a sacrifice for the time being, so if we could all stop riding again on the main trails that would be a start, that is not to say the Bridleways as these are open to all, and if you do get stopped or shouted at by a member of public (I know it mucks the ride up but) please stop and explain that it is a bridleway and if they look at the new ashdown forest map it is clearly highlighted, ask them to contact the head office if they dont believe you, but please be polite - even if they are not. We are in a very sensitive stage at the moment, if we want this to progress any further then we need to keep on the publics side, as well as the conservators. Myself an Duncan have now got to put together a small document outlining what recommendations we had made and forward this to all conservators, Hew etc. This will contain the route (although not definitive)a case for all the cons in the initial document by Hew, presented at the PRA meeting Duncan and myself went to. I am going to go on all the forums and plead to all to not ride for the time being. Please be aware that I know we all feel a bit deflated, but we all knew this would not happen overnight so we need to keep the pressure up, but do it in a positive way, that shows the conservators (and anyone else keeping an eye in the process - ESCC) that we have done it in the right way. Excuse the fragmented e-mail but I am late for work.
Maca
( Well done to Macca & Duncan who continue to work very hard for the cause! )
16/12 Duncan, Paul & myself attended the Forest centre this morning for a meeting with Hew, Michael Cooper ( Chair RPA Committee ) and Chris ( Head conservation officer ).
It was an informative and useful meeting for all parties. Duncan gave a good presentation and we were all congratulated on our representation of local cyclists.
Following the presentation Michael Cooper assured us they are keeping an open mind and looking at the issue objectively. The subject will be on the agenda for the next RPA committee meeting on the 23rd Feb and we have been invited to attend. A feasibility study was mentioned and they seemed keen for it to go ahead.
HOWEVER ! Once again cyclists have been using the forest and giving abuse to walkers. It is essential that we hold back from cycling whilst we are making headway. If you HAVE to cycle there ( No one really has to) and encounter any animosity please turn the other cheek and just ride off. Conflict remains one of their major concerns and this only fuels their opposition.
Please spread the word about this to anyone you know who is cycling on the Forest and urge them to hold off for a while.
Thanks for your continued support!
15/10 Conservators have offered a meeting. They are writing to other Forests to find out how biking has worked for them. It may not be much but it's a start !!
17/8 Another month passed with little activity from the conservators. The web site of the Conservators states - 'Ashdown Forest is the largest open area in the South East - served by 50 car parks and 130 Km ( YES 130 Km !) of rides' and yet cycling is banned. Come on Conservators this is the 21st Century !
20/7 Thanks to everyone who turned out for the BIG PUSH it was a great event & very sociable with no confrontations. There was a Ranger watching our return but sadly he didn't want to come and chat!
19/7 The BIG PUSH is TOMORROW !! Be there with everyone you can. !
19/7 Listen to Duncan on Southern FM Tomorrow morning from 8 am He has done an interview on cycling on the forest.
A good meeting with the CTC took place recently. They are going to help us put our case.
