Off your bike!

Saturday 02 November 2019

Numerous complaints have been made about people cycling on cliff paths, with the States warning that any further offenders will be fined.

Over the summer months, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure’s Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) received a number of complaints from members of the public and the Parish Constables about cyclists using the south coast cliff paths between La Vallette and Fort Pezeries, Torteval.

A spokesperson for E&I said damage had been caused to pathways and steps, making those areas more dangerous for other users.

"The committee encourage the use of bicycles where lawful, however in some cases they can cause conflicts with other road users and damage to pathways," they said. 

"Steps are also being undermined by cyclists habitually riding down the soft banks alongside them. Such erosion can lead to the destabilisation of the steps and also loss of grass and coastal plants. This is exacerbated during wet weather when cycle tracks cause deep rutting and large areas of mud where groups of cyclists have passed through.

"Cliff paths noted to be particularly affected by cyclists include St Peter Port, St Martins and Torteval. Notable damage to a newly laid concrete path near Bon Port was caused recently by cyclists riding through it overnight.

"Temporary signs are being put up along the cliff paths between La Vallette and Fort Pezeries to remind users that cycling is prohibited by law and that offenders may incur a fine."

Numerous areas of land and footpaths covered by the Places of Recreation Ordinance are relatively isolated but are regularly inspected by ACLMS staff, the managers of States Works and Parish officials, many of whom are Special Constables empowered to enforce the Places of Recreation Ordinance and other laws applicable to the use of the land.