Conference report > Mountain biking and the environment

The Adventure and Environmental Awareness Group held a Conference on “Mountain Biking and the Environment” at Charlotte Mason College, Ambleside, in February 1992. For the first time in Britain it brought together mountain bikers and organisations involved in outdoor activities, land management and conservation. It was organised jointly with the British Mountain Biking Federation and supported by the Sports Council. A report edited by John Wyatt is available on the conference.

Chris Payne of the British Mountain Biking Federation set the scene by describing the development of the sport and the exhilaration of biking over rough terrain. He also made it clear that the BMBF is a responsible organisation wanting access for its members but also concerned to promote good practice and consideration for other outdoor users.

John Chapman from the Lake District National Park Authority provided the legal framework describing the various rights of way and how bye-laws, Commons and Access Land can affect the legal rights of bikers.

Bob Bunce from the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology described the ecological impact of Mountain Biking with particular reference to more sensitive environments such as sand dunes, reed beds and marshy areas on the fells.

Colin Mortlock, the first Chairman of the Adventure and Environmental Awareness Group, talked about the aesthetic impact of Mountain Biking on the “wilderness experience” and argued that like other machines they are intrusive and not in harmony with the peace and beauty of wild places.

Colin Palmer, the Access Director for the BMBF, called for tolerance and understanding of the new sport. He argued that many potential conflicts could be avoided through education and management schemes.

Geoff Cooper of the AEA Group chaired a question and answer session with the five speakers and this helped to formulate a set of agreed recommendations from the day.

Recommendations

1		Mountain biking is a rapidly growing and legitimate sport that should be provided with a good range of access facilities in the countryside.
2		Where conflicts of interests do exist between mountain biking and conservation they should be resolved by management agreements.
3		Mountain biking is, in most cases, inappropriate in the wilderness areas of open moorland and mountains.
4		Where legal access on bridleways and by-ways does exist on wild or sensitive areas of moorland and mountain, voluntary agreements should be made to restrict their use in return for improved facilities elsewhere.
5		Marshy areas in uplands are ecologically rich and particularly sensitive to damage. These areas should receive priority in terms of voluntary restrictions and codes of practice.
6		There is a need for new networks, linking bridleways, to be established in many areas of the countryside. The level of off-road facilities does not meet present demand.
7		More extensive facilities for mountain biking, including adventurous trails, should be encouraged in the urban fringe.
8		Clear but unobtrusive waymarking is needed on low-level routes to encourage cyclists to use and enjoy the countryside but avoid unnecessary conflicts with landowners, managers and other countryside users.

The full report of the conference is available from:

Geoff Cooper
AEA Group Chairman
Low Bank Ground
Coniston
Cumbria
LA21 8AA

Send cheque payable to “Adventure and Environmental Awareness Group” for £4 for each report. This price includes post and package.

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