We, the undersigned, petition the East Sussex county council to reclassify this byway as a bridle path.
We recognise the responsible use of byways open to all traffic (BOATs) is part of the recreational opportunities enjoyed by motorcyclists and off-road vehicle (4x4) drivers. We also recognise that, for the most part, these drivers are respectful and responsible in their duties towards the countryside and properties through which these byways pass.
However, we have become concerned by the irresponsible use of this particular byway by some vehicular users. "Scrambler" motorcycles and cars have been seen to use the byway at speeds which would unseat a horse-ride.
We are concerned that an irresponsible vehicle driver will kill a child living or walking here.
See http://vimeo.com/user28967360/greenhedgesbyway
Car and motorcycle tyre marks have been left in the verges. The gate on the byway has been left open, putting livestock at risk.
The byway passes through the garden of one residential property and close to the entrance of another.
Finally, we recognise the importance of rural access and the historical significance of this particular byway, near which Roman coins have been found. We do not wish to stop-up or divert the byway and we are keen that it remains a safe a route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
We wish the County Council to reclassify this byway as a Bridlepath in order to prevent injury to other byway users and further damage to the environment caused by vehicular access.
[Please, when signing this petition, could you explain any particular connection you have to this byway and your reasons for agreeing with this petition. Thank you]
Updates
March 4, 2014
East Sussex County Council continues to ignore our warnings while these reckless drivers treat our homes like their private racetrack. We are documenting every near miss and every damaged verge to force their hand because they will not listen until a disaster actually happens.
March 4, 2014
The momentum we have built proves that East Sussex County Council can no longer ignore the dangerous wreckage left behind by these reckless drivers. People are terrified for the safety of their children and animals while the council refuses to act on their basic duty to protect us.
17 Comments
I have been riding motorcycles on this Byway for over 30 years and have never experienced any issues with anyone. As a member of the Trail Riders Fellowship we always follow a strict code of conduct to make sure that no one is in anyway disadvantaged when using Byways. This is a Road and anyone who does cause any problems should be reported to the police. Only 3% of green lanes in the UK are Byways and I am sure that with walkers and horse riders being able to use the other 97%, we should all be able to enjoy the countryside in our own way. Colin Webb
vehicles should stop where the tarmac stops. Green lanes should be for quiet enjoyment, for walking, pedal-cycling and horses. They are a rare rescource for disabled (being free of stiles etc) and are ruined for people of physical or mental disability when they are rutted and muddy and used as a racetrack for scramble bikes and 4x4s. Saying that because it once has horse and cart rights it is now fair game for scramble bikes, noise, fumes and damage is bonkers
I presume that you know it's illegal to rip and distribute other peoples copyrighted videos?
The video has been taken down from YouTube - presumably by those most embarrassed by it. It can be seen here instead: http://vimeo.com/user28967360/greenhedgesbyway
Many thanks to the riders for posting their views - it's important that this is a democratic discussion. Sadly, while there are many sensible and careful drivers on any road, the danger is caused by those drive inconsiderately. There are still many of them and we are concerned for the safety of other users. Just yesterday (March 30th) I stopped three bikers who were going at speed. Their leader told me that he thought it was a public road. Later in the evening, a 4x4 got stuck and had to be towed out of the lane. To counter the argument about road use, there are 245,000 miles of road in the UK - all of which are properly signed and made suitable for motor vehicle. Very few are suitable for horses and walkers. Restricting this byway to its original use for pedestrians and horse riders would reduce the total available to motorised users by about 0.0002%.
I would class myself as a responsible and considerate motorcyclist who has been enjoying the byways in the South of England (and elsewhere) for over 15 years, and I was initially very concerned that this byway was being ridden in such an irresponsible manner. However, a recent comment from Jim Wells suggests that the video clip being used to support this petition may well be around 5 years old, and hardly current. In light of past successes in educating these riders and all the work the Trail Riders Fellowship continue doing to promote a code of conduct aimed at making Byways safe for all, I am sure that instances of this type of riding are now in the minority. Certainly, when I encounter other users the great majority of the meetings are completely amicable. It should be remembered also, that responsible ‘trail riders’ bring many benefits to the local communities, in terms of money spent on fuel, food etc. I cannot therefore support the petition to downgrade this historic byway, but would fully support measures to control and eradicate irresponsible riding, where instances still occur.
I'm sorry to hear that this road is being used irresponsibly. I'm appalled by the riding in the video and appreciate why you are concerned. I'm a responsible motorcyclist that greatly values my access to this marvellous lane. I cannot support the petition to downgrade this road to a bridlepath. However I will vigorously support measures to rid it of irresponsible motorists. I have forwarded the youtube video to Sussex Pathwatch (police) and also named and shamed the rider on the website of the Trail Rider Fellowship. I note that the petition acknowledges that the majority of motorists using this road are responsible. I ask that the responsible motorists aren't subjected to a collective punishment for the actions of a few.
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We, the undersigned, petition the East Sussex county council to reclassify this byway as a bridle path.
We recognise the responsible use of byways open to all traffic (BOATs) is part of the recreational opportunities enjoyed by motorcyclists and off-road vehicle (4x4) drivers. We also recognise that, for the most part, these drivers are respectful and responsible in their duties towards the countryside and properties through which these byways pass.
However, we have become concerned by the irresponsible use of this particular byway by some vehicular users. "Scrambler" motorcycles and cars have been seen to use the byway at speeds which would unseat a horse-ride.
We are concerned that an irresponsible vehicle driver will kill a child living or walking here.
See http://vimeo.com/user28967360/greenhedgesbyway
Car and motorcycle tyre marks have been left in the verges. The gate on the byway has been left open, putting livestock at risk.
The byway passes through the garden of one residential property and close to the entrance of another.
Finally, we recognise the importance of rural access and the historical significance of this particular byway, near which Roman coins have been found. We do not wish to stop-up or divert the byway and we are keen that it remains a safe a route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
We wish the County Council to reclassify this byway as a Bridlepath in order to prevent injury to other byway users and further damage to the environment caused by vehicular access.
[Please, when signing this petition, could you explain any particular connection you have to this byway and your reasons for agreeing with this petition. Thank you]
Updates
March 4, 2014
East Sussex County Council continues to ignore our warnings while these reckless drivers treat our homes like their private racetrack. We are documenting every near miss and every damaged verge to force their hand because they will not listen until a disaster actually happens.
March 4, 2014
The momentum we have built proves that East Sussex County Council can no longer ignore the dangerous wreckage left behind by these reckless drivers. People are terrified for the safety of their children and animals while the council refuses to act on their basic duty to protect us.
17 Comments
I am a resident of Mark Cross, and I fail to see why this short but very pretty route should be used by any motor traffic other than residents & farmers. It runs parallel to a main road, and for walkers (particularly dog walkers like myself) it is the only safe access to surrounding walks in Nap Wood and other local walks from the village. I fully support the aims of the petition.
I have been riding motorcycles on this Byway for over 30 years and have never experienced any issues with anyone. As a member of the Trail Riders Fellowship we always follow a strict code of conduct to make sure that no one is in anyway disadvantaged when using Byways. This is a Road and anyone who does cause any problems should be reported to the police. Only 3% of green lanes in the UK are Byways and I am sure that with walkers and horse riders being able to use the other 97%, we should all be able to enjoy the countryside in our own way. Colin Webb
vehicles should stop where the tarmac stops. Green lanes should be for quiet enjoyment, for walking, pedal-cycling and horses. They are a rare rescource for disabled (being free of stiles etc) and are ruined for people of physical or mental disability when they are rutted and muddy and used as a racetrack for scramble bikes and 4x4s. Saying that because it once has horse and cart rights it is now fair game for scramble bikes, noise, fumes and damage is bonkers
I presume that you know it's illegal to rip and distribute other peoples copyrighted videos?
The video has been taken down from YouTube - presumably by those most embarrassed by it. It can be seen here instead: http://vimeo.com/user28967360/greenhedgesbyway
Many thanks to the riders for posting their views - it's important that this is a democratic discussion. Sadly, while there are many sensible and careful drivers on any road, the danger is caused by those drive inconsiderately. There are still many of them and we are concerned for the safety of other users. Just yesterday (March 30th) I stopped three bikers who were going at speed. Their leader told me that he thought it was a public road. Later in the evening, a 4x4 got stuck and had to be towed out of the lane. To counter the argument about road use, there are 245,000 miles of road in the UK - all of which are properly signed and made suitable for motor vehicle. Very few are suitable for horses and walkers. Restricting this byway to its original use for pedestrians and horse riders would reduce the total available to motorised users by about 0.0002%.
I would class myself as a responsible and considerate motorcyclist who has been enjoying the byways in the South of England (and elsewhere) for over 15 years, and I was initially very concerned that this byway was being ridden in such an irresponsible manner. However, a recent comment from Jim Wells suggests that the video clip being used to support this petition may well be around 5 years old, and hardly current. In light of past successes in educating these riders and all the work the Trail Riders Fellowship continue doing to promote a code of conduct aimed at making Byways safe for all, I am sure that instances of this type of riding are now in the minority. Certainly, when I encounter other users the great majority of the meetings are completely amicable. It should be remembered also, that responsible ‘trail riders’ bring many benefits to the local communities, in terms of money spent on fuel, food etc. I cannot therefore support the petition to downgrade this historic byway, but would fully support measures to control and eradicate irresponsible riding, where instances still occur.
I'm sorry to hear that this road is being used irresponsibly. I'm appalled by the riding in the video and appreciate why you are concerned. I'm a responsible motorcyclist that greatly values my access to this marvellous lane. I cannot support the petition to downgrade this road to a bridlepath. However I will vigorously support measures to rid it of irresponsible motorists. I have forwarded the youtube video to Sussex Pathwatch (police) and also named and shamed the rider on the website of the Trail Rider Fellowship. I note that the petition acknowledges that the majority of motorists using this road are responsible. I ask that the responsible motorists aren't subjected to a collective punishment for the actions of a few.
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I am a resident of Mark Cross, and I fail to see why this short but very pretty route should be used by any motor traffic other than residents & farmers. It runs parallel to a main road, and for walkers (particularly dog walkers like myself) it is the only safe access to surrounding walks in Nap Wood and other local walks from the village. I fully support the aims of the petition.