Building better relationships forms a big part of what we do at Peak District MTB. Normally, we’re doing this with utility companies and major landowners, but it’s just as important for us to do it at the local level.
In the White Peak, the Pennine Bridleway passes a busy working dairy farm farm east of Buxton. A number of incidents at the farm involving walkers, runners and cyclists had led to a proposal to publicise an alternative route away from the farmyard to the north of the property – principally during milking time when cows partially block the surfaced track near the farm.
The redirection proposed would have seen bridleway users advised to take a diversion up and around the roads whenever milking was taking place. This would have seen the route through the farmyard effectively blocked to riders for up to seven hours a day.
Access being at the heart of what we do, and a firm belief that dialogue and positive actions work better than restriction and ‘Plan B’, committee members Dave Finch spoke with the farmers and Nick Blaney with both the farmer, Pennine Bridleway team and a representative of the British Horse Society. Our suggestion was to ask riders to simply be responsible – be nice, say hi. Or moo. As a result, Peak District MTB will provide signage leading into the farm advising of the responsibilities of those passing through the farmyard. An offer we would be happy to make to other farms.
Importantly, the plans to detour have been dropped and the farm has welcomed our proactive approach in trying to find a way to satisfy everyone.
In addition concerns raised about running and riding at night and the, sometimes serious, impact on livestock were raised. So the best advice is, when riding near livestock or farms at night, is to dim your lights, turn off your helmet light if you have a helmet/bar combination and keep the noise levels low.
“Nobody wants to cause a problem when they’re out for a ride,” says Nick Blaney, PDMTB committee member. “So if we can help riders understand the challenges farmers face – especially at milking time and when dark – we can help everyone get on better on the path.”
A recent incident involving a rider on the farm itself has emphasised the need for this better understanding. Soon you’ll see some signs on then path in our familiar grey and green politely asking riders to respect the farm as they pass through. It’s a simple thing, but one welcomed by the farmers, other groups and the Pennine Bridleway team.
Peak District MTB. Better representation. Better mountain biking.
Further reading: Useful Info : Night Riding
