These signs appear on or near the Apethorn to Godley section of the Trans Pennine Trail. This one I photographed near Donald Avenue in 2006.
The top notice explains that this reclaimed railway line is part of the 350 mile coast to coast Trans Pennine Trail and part of National Cycle Route 62. It also forms part of European Long Distance Route E8. It is a route for cyclists and walkers, and for horseriders and people with disabilities too on many sections.
It says a bit more but that's enough for now.
The bottom notice says that "No motorbikes, scramble or trail bikes, 4x4 or other vehicles permitted. Under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000, it is an offence to use any mechanically propelled vehicle on this land. Persons caught doing so may be fined up to £5,000 and have vehicles confiscated."
There have been incidents of motorbikes being used on the trail, mainly by youngsters displaying little respect for other users. The problem has been tackled in some measure by making access to the trail at several points rather difficult but all that does is make it difficult for disabled users in wheelchairs whilst the bikers find alternative routes.
These notices and a conventional signpost can be found at Green Lane - see Hyde Daily Photo.
A contribution to signs, signs.
Rails to trails is a great idea...there are a few over here . Looks like this one covers some great scenery
ReplyDeleteSuch rules are hard to enforce and many of those on motorbikes, etc know this.
ReplyDeleteI recently ran with 4,000 others over the old railway trail from Cortina to Dobiacco through the Dolomites. It's about 30 kms long and goes up and down about 450 meters over a pass. Thousands of people ski it in winter.
ReplyDeleteAnother old railway trail follows the shore of Lake Wolfgangsee in the Austrian Lake District, the Salzkammergut.
There's an old railway trail on the Wirral which follows the Dee estuary. I've seen wheelchair users on sections of it. Nice views across to North Wales.