“It’s probably best to get the boring bit out of the way first!” says Nick Blaney, Peak District MTB’s rep on the Sheffield Local Access Forum (LAF), the independent statutory advisory bodies that are required under the Countryside Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000).
“CRoW failed cyclists and equestrians as we remain excluded from areas declared as ‘Open Access’ under the act unless Public or Permissive Rights of Way exist,” explains Nick. “But LAFs have a specific role in promoting and improving access for all user groups. This is where we come in.”
We are now represented on the newly reinstated Sheffield LAF, and the Peak District LAF, and are in close contact with mountain bike representatives on Barnsley LAF. This has already proven useful in introducing us to other organisations whom we can work with and bring influence from a mountain bikers’ perspective. Most recently by opening up funding opportunities with the Peak District Foundation.
It will also support our continuing work on Project 22% as we need to advocate for increased resources within the Public Rights of Way teams that are part of the process for dedicating or upgrading rights of way.
How can you help?
Nick explains, “Our committee is stretched quite thinly and there are a number of LAFs which cover parts of the Peak District where we don’t have a voice. So if you are in any of the following Local Authorities, or just ride there, and have an interest in joining please let us know and we can discuss.”
The authorities we are seeking representation on are:
- Derbyshire County Council
- Staffordshire County Council
- Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council
- Cheshire East Council
- Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
“We’ve done well with our work so far on the LAF,” reflects Nick. “Get involved and help us do more.”
If you are interested please drop us an email via info@peakdistrictmtb.org
