Leaflet shows trail bikers the right way to go

TRAIL bike riders will soon be able to get guidance on what parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park they can use.

A new leaflet is being distributed to help reduce the potential conflict between landowners, walkers, pedal cyclists, horse riders and the motorcyclists.

The release of the leaflet coincides with the prosecution of a man who was caught riding a motorbike illegally on a bridleway near Ribblehead Viaduct.

His case was heard at Skipton magistrates in August when he pleaded guilty to riding his bike on a bridleway at Force Gill, Blea Moor - a breach of Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

He was fined £250 and ordered to pay £45 costs.

The leaflet, called 'Trail Riding in the Yorkshire Dales', has been produced by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) in partnership with the Trail Riders Fellowship, Natural England, the North Yorkshire and Cumbria county councils, the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty and North Yorkshire and Cumbria police.

Authority spokesman Matt Neale said the idea of the leaflet was to help trail riders enjoy their rights responsibly.

"The recreational use of motorbikes and other vehicles on certain routes within the National Park is a very controversial issue that stirs up feelings on all sides," he said.

"The aim of this leaflet is to set out in clear terms exactly where and how trail bikers can use the byways and unsurfaced unclassified county roads in the National Park.

"It explains the legal issues involved and the ways in which riders can help minimise the effects of their sport on the wildlife, the landscape and other users."

PC Harry Carpenter of North Yorkshire Police, added: "The police and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority work very closely to ensure that recreational users of off-road vehicles - motorcycles or 4x4s -are aware of the law and their responsibilities. However we will take action where a clear breach of the law is committed."

Information for the majority of routes is available on the National Park website at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/green_lane_management.htm

• Click here to download the leaflet