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The read this!
The New Forest Association are not a happy bunch! And the Verderers will not be at all supportive of anyone who dares set foot in 'their forest' 😯
So, thanks Wiggle and UK Cycling Events!
Presentment to Verderers Court January 2012
The New Forest Association supports responsible cycling both on and off road within the New Forest and recognises it will grow. But the situation is not satisfactory and getting worse and NFA echoes the concerns made by the Commoners Defence Association at the November Court. We have come across a cycle sport event taking place, in part on Forest gravel tracks in April, which the website promotes by suggesting that cyclists ‘will want to set a good time as they blast around this flowing course.' 1 Is this how we want the Forest used? Is it the form of recreation that should be endorsed by the Commission and Park Authority?
The Verderers are to be congratulated for doing their own research into future recreational events and in their flexibility into avoiding a conflict in October by rearranging drift days. But is this their responsibly? Are these the right priorities?
The New Forest is not getting any bigger, but year by year demand for recreation increases and will continue to increase. When will the Commission and National Park Authority accept this truth and start dealing will the increasing conflicts?
New cycle routes have been suggested in the National Park Authority's Recreational Management Strategy.2 NFA contends this is premature - it is time to take stock. What are we trying to achieve? What have been the successes of the existing off road routes? What have been the failures and how can these be addressed? Is the limited space in the Forest being used efficiently? Is this open access area being afforded sufficient protection? What is the best way for more and more visitors to enjoy the Forest without destroying the very thing they have come to enjoy? Do the Commission have both the resources and will to manage and police this increased recreation? How can the increasing conflict, the subject of numerous presentments in this Court be avoided?
NFA urge the Verderers to seek from the Commission a review covering the management of recreation, the rationale of off road cycling, the success or otherwise of existing routes, an effective system of event management and policing, and suitable planning tools that will allow us to welcome ever more visitors with minimum damage to the environment and traditions of the precious and unique New Forest.
Notes
The Association regards the lawful use of cycling not only as beneficial to health but as a means to appreciate the wonderful wildlife and scenery that the New Forest offers. There are other forests with off-road tracks that are much better suited and appropriate for high speed mass cycling events. We ask that cyclists and those supporting cycling in the New Forest show consideration and respect for other users and work to protect and enhance the area that they value so much for their recreation.
1 http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-new-forest-spring-mtb-ride-2012/
2 Recreational Management Strategy, NFNPA 2010, p 51
The New Forest Association, is a members based charity formed in 1867 to protect and conserve the New Forest. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
[i]thanks Wiggle and UK Cycling Events[/i]
but it's run entirely on fire roads that are bridleways or boats etc.
no one was there long - it was the fastest 35 miles I've ever cycled off road - I averaged over 17mph.
I wouldn;t go back but I didn't see a huige amount of friction with other users.
the 2500 roadies probably caused more problems?
It's a mixture of the 2. Yes the roadies are an issue for those who call it home, but the latest thing is with the advertising of the Spring off road event, suggesting riders go fast and set a good time 😯
Personally - wouldn't ever ride the route they are taking. It's just plain boring.... Much better out there...
[i]It's just plain boring[/i]
agree - even compared with their other rides (which aren't that technical, tbh) it was a bit tame.
and I also agree UK Cycling events need to be careful how they advertise the time thing - the gold/silver/bronze is a good way of giving goals and I quite like having the gps track with the target time on my garmin when I ride the events but the riders need to understand they're not on a race course.
I used to live in the New Forest and my parents still do.
I keep hearing from them about the 'anti' bike attitudes that seem to be going about there at the moment, articles in the paper, people jumping on the bandwagon..
I really don't understand it- it's very sad really. The forest should be enjoyed by everyone, not reserved specifically for one group of people i.e. those wishing to graze animals on it.
You'll never win with them, they're anti-cycling (god know why!) and won't change. Thanks to anyone that fights our corner but I think you'd have as much luck at getting Clarkson to Cycle to work.
I call it home too and home is on a very frequently used roadie route, we get plenty of groups small and large every weekend up and down our road, as well as horses from the fields and stables behind my house, as yet I've not seen any bother, not lived there long though, we'll see how it goes through the summer as numbers increase in both camps.
gobby idiots in all walks of life, just try to get on with it and don't let 'em ruin your day 8)
[i]The New Forest Association, is a members based charity formed in 1867 to [s]protect and conserve[/s]make sure that no nasty oiks have any fun in our [s]the[/s] New Forest.[/i]
NFA = reactionary NIMBY asshats.
Emphasis on speed in event ads not cool, however. Fuel to the fire, and all that.
What is the best way for more and more visitors to enjoy the Forest without destroying the very thing they have come to enjoy?
the answer definitely isn't a few miles of permissive cycle access that don't join up.
Can we have this again? 🙂
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9372056.Bike_rage_threatens_to_take_hold_in_Forest/#commentsList
Local press 😆
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9481400.Off_road_cycle_races_could_be_banned_in_Forest/
No interview with organisers - poor journalism
By Chris Yandell »
Chief Reporter, New Forest
Should be cheif niby 😆
I don't understand why they don't just come out and say:
'The new forest is our free farm, paid for by you plebs. If you come here, you might upset our livestock and get in the way of our tractors and range rovers. Clear Orff.'
The New Forest Association is just another name for the Commoners Defence Association, who are only interested in the welfare of their livestock, and preserving the forest solely for this purpose.
It would be a shame if this jeapordises the proposals to extend teh cycle trails though, as there has been some talk of actually joining up the trails in the 'cycle network' so they actually are a network!