Bikers put path users in danger

From the archive, first published Wednesday 15th Mar 2006.

COAST path users fear off-road motorcyclists are putting themselves, and others, in danger.

With the coastal path becoming increasingly popular with off-road motorcyclists, major safety concerns are being raised.

National Park senior ranger Philip Lees said: "It is a complete folly to take a motorcycle onto the coast path. It only needs one slight error of judgment to get into a very dangerous situation."

The off-roaders also pose a danger to walkers like Ian Heys, of Haven Sports, who regularly exercises his dog along the path.

"It is very scary to come around a blind corner on a narrow stretch to meet a motorcycle coming the other way," he said.

Mr Heys fears somebody will be seriously hurt.

He warned: "Sooner or later it will end in a major accident."

Mr Heys is also concerned that off-road bikes will further erode paths well worn by walkers and believes the lack of legal off-roading sites is part of the problem.

Richard `Jumbo' James of Wood Park Off Road agrees there are a lack of places for people to experience off-roading and learn to enjoy it responsibly.

His company runs off-road sessions for 4x4s, but cannot get insurance for motorcycles.

He says changes to the single farm payments discourage farmers from making land available, as activities leaving tracks can make businesses ineligible.

"Farmers are encouraged to diversify," he said.

"But then they are kicked in the teeth by restrictions."

Mr James said if the council wanted to ban motorcycles from areas such as Pendine beach, there should be some effort made to provide a more suitable venue.

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