Tuesday 31 December 2013
Media enquiry from the Guernsey Press
Media Enquiry from Juliet Pouteaux, Guernsey Press:
I am following up on BBC story about signs warning cyclists not to ride on the cliffs around Les Sommeileuses
I was hoping to find out why the signs have been put up and why this area in particular has been targeted?
I understand that the signs warn of a £100 fine. However, in such an isolated location, how will this be policed?
Lastly, will any more signs will be going up and is there any other trouble spots for islanders illegally cycling?
An extra question has also arisen having spoken to a local bicycle group, which said they thought the current law was outdated and were keen to see more opportunities for cyclists to ride on States land.
I wanted to see how the department would respond to this and whether there was any chance to law would be reviewed?
Environment Department response:
The Environment Department receives regular complaints in respect of cyclists using land available to the public for their enjoyment - designated footpaths, landscaped recreation areas such as formal parks, or nature conservation areas. Such land may be owned or managed by the States of Guernsey, or individual Parishes, the Vale Commons Council, La Societe Guernesiaise or the National Trust of Guernsey. All these open lands and paths are protected under the Places of Recreation Ordinance, 1975. (In addition to vehicles - including motorcycles and bicycles - the Ordinance also prohibits the lighting of fires, the exercise of trade or business, and the riding/driving of horses or other animals over these lands or paths.)
The Department's officers are aware from conversations with the public and cyclists that, despite occasional publicity in the media and signs placed by the Department and Parish Constables, not everyone is aware that cycling is not permitted in certain areas. The signs indicating the level of fine were introduced by the Department this summer in response to complaints about cyclists riding fast or discourteously on some protected areas. Naturally from time to time newcomers to the island may be unaware that restrictions apply to certain places. These signs are placed for three to four weeks to convey the message in areas which have been the focus of complaint and to date have been very effective.
The Department was contacted in respect of damage at Les Sommeilleuse on several occasions over the last year and on inspection in early December the cliff paths here and at Pleinmont (near La Trigale) were rutted with numerous cycle tracks in several sections. The signs were put out on both sites on 5 December and this is the first occasion on which the Department has received any feedback on their use in an area which is widely known to be covered by the law.
Numerous areas or paths covered by the Places of Recreation Ordinance are relatively isolated and regularly inspected by the Department's staff, the managers of States Works and Parish officials, many of whom are Special Constables empowered to enforce this Ordinance and other law applicable to the use of the land.
The Department actively supports the Velo Club, by arranging permissions for competitive events held several times a year on land it manages at Le Guet, Bordeaux, Chouet and Petit Bot. Officers have also willingly assisted the Velo Club in providing a venue at short notice when other land was unexpectedly withdrawn.
The Department is by no means 'anti cyclist.' Courteous cyclists - and horse riders - are very welcome to share the west and east coastal paths with walkers, instead of the busy coast road. The coastal paths are purpose-built to a uniform width (1.2m - 1.4m) and are reasonably flat. Aside from areas of mobile sand dune the paths have a manmade surface which is maintained year round for shared use. It is very rare for a complaint to be received by the Department in respect of any user group.
By contrast the east and south coast cliff paths have been little developed since they were first formed by people making paths to beaches and those gathering fuel or managing small grazing herds on the cliffs. No widening has been done - in many cases this would be impossible anyway and countless steep slopes have been made more accessible by the installation of steps. Otherwise, as far as possible, the natural surfaces of stone, gravel or grass have been left with little alteration. The narrow paths twist and turn as they follow the curve and fall of the landscape creating blind spots often at the foot or top of steep slopes.
Cyclists have the choice to ride on the roads and ruettes tranquille, west and east coast paths and pursue their hobby competitively if they wish on a number of sites around the island. By contrast the cliff paths are probably the only remaining place on the island where young and old, children and dogs can enjoy a constantly changing view for two or three hours - or more - away from anything or anyone on wheels. The Environment Department is endeavouring to maintain that balance for residents and visitors to the island seeking peace and calm in the natural landscape.
Access to the cliff paths is now widely taken for granted but the States undertook negotiations with countless landowners to reach agreement for the public to either use an existing footpath on their land or to create links between paths. The network of paths had to be developed for public use in such a way as to minimise the loss of land to landowners and to reduce the impact of the paths on the coastal landscape. The unbroken cliff path from La Valette to Fort Pezeries would not be available to the public now but for the public-spirited generosity of many landowners.
If there is overwhelming public support that the law should be changed to enable cyclists (and horse riders?) to share the cliff paths with pedestrians then a review would be undertaken but it must be borne in mind that all such work must be prioritised according urgency within the Department. Alternatively the cycling fraternity may wish to consider whether the purchase or lease of an area of land - with appropriate planning consents - could provide a more satisfying experience for enthusiasts which they could control without the need to share with pedestrians.
-ENDS-
