8 replies to this topic

[Chrisonwheels]

I really miss the great outdoors. Myself and a friend (another para) thought 'Wouldn't it be great to get a couple of quadbikes and ride across the Brecon Beacons or Snowdonia!'.
Unfortunately we're not allowed because of the quadbikes. We could use a Boma or Tramper, but these cost between £5000-£6000 and I'm not sure that I'm prepared to spend that sort of money on an invalid carriage that won't get me so far.
I know there are others who feel the same way; if we get together I have some ideas about how we could try to push for a change in legislation. I've already written to my MP and he has replied favourably (he has contacted the secretary of state for DEFRA about it).
Please write to your MP if you feel the same way. Ask me how to if you're not sure what to say; I can post a letter you can use.
IF YOU WANT YOUR RIGHT TO ROAM THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW!

Edited by Chrisonwheels, 28 August 2007 - 09:23 PM.

[wheeliebear75]

Hey I'm from the San Diego area, California, USA. At one of our local beaches they have these chairs that are able to go in the sand and somewhat in the water. These were partially purchased by the city and several businesses for public use by persons with physical disabilities. Maybe 1 or 2 could be purchased by similar means. Another thought would be if enough SCI's got together and pooled money and recourses a privately owned set of quad bikes could be purchased and shared. Set up a calender and share them.

Edited by wheeliebear75, 28 August 2007 - 11:10 PM.

[wheels5894]

Chris,

I don't know about the ares you mention, but I d know that the lake District is constructing paths for wheelchair use in various places and you could ask them about it. i suspect you could use a manual chair on those paths.

I can see the problem places like Snowdonia; it would be almost impossible to police is any small vehicles were allowed and we wouldn't want to have gangs or youths on such bikes. Maybe you could see what help the park authority might be able to give = maybe have a suitable vehicle for use by visitors?

[russ1]

If you're prepared to stick to the 'Green Lanes' (Marked on OS maps as Byway open to all traffic) then of course you can use a quad bike to cross the Brecons or Snowdonia but they are few and far between and are usually in very poor condition due to the 4x4 brigade having wrecked them. Technically of course unless there are special bylaws permitting them the battery powered vehicles aren't permitted off the green lanes and even a manual wheelchair isn't permitted on a footpath but they're never going to get sued for damages (trespass being a civil matter and not a crime in most places) by a landowner whereas a quad bike s a whole different ballgame.

You can of course get the landowners permission but I can't see the National Trust letting you loose on a quad bike on their land when they're trying to stop mountain bikers gaining access. The biggest issue you're likely to face in gaining access as disabled persons on motor vehicles where AB's would not be allowed is in the actual physical access in terms of gates (on bridleways) and stiles (on footpaths). You might get bridleways opened up but then you'd need an AB with you to open the gates and as a non disabled person they wouldn't be entitled to ride the paths normally restricted to non motorised vehicles.

Personally I think it'd be opening up a huge can of worms to allow motorised vehicle access to the whole countyside for any group of people. The enjoyment of the countryside is largely based upon peace and quiet and to allow a small minority to spoil the enjoyment by the majority even for the best of reasons seems unreasonable.

[megatrig]

Hmmmm I can see myself changing my mind during this post!!

I've just spent £5K on an "All Terrain" wheelchair!! Ouch!! Electric wheels plus lightweight frame, etc, etc.

This allows me to ""walk"" "push" across a number of areas/places/feilds/hills/bridal paths and lets me walk the hound and "ramble" with my friends/partner too!

Its great to get back onto fields and byrivers and up hills and .......

I must admit the thought of a quad bike hammering by ain't to appealing as I enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Having said that I can see that the appeal of allowing some form of "motorised" access for disabilities might be a good idea!!

Kettle of worms indeedy!!!

[essexscipilot]

Quote

Wouldn't it defeat the object of someone going to an area of outstanding natural beauty for the peace and being buzzed by quad bikes.

I agree, not only would the peace be lost but tracks would get torn up and muddy on wet days leaving them dangerous to walk on, not to mention the risk to dogs, dog walkers hikers and children etc. Areas like the mentioned 'Snowdonia' would become areas to avoid, not areas to enjoy.

Yes as disabled people we have rights but we must also consider others, I would not consider it a right to use a quad bike around Snowdonia anymore than I would consider it my right to enter a posh hotel in a wheelchair with wheels caked in mud, the two are very much the same when you think about it.

[Lucydog]

Well I could write a book on this one as Im an Access officer and also on the Joint Local access forum for Northumberland County, Northumberland National Park and North Pennine. We are fairly proactive in this area. First of all we are buying some 'Trampers' to be used along Hadrians Wall, and also looking at improving BOATs, Byways Open to All Traffic. We are trying to resurface in a suitable but sympathetic manner As for the Lake District, the wheelchair accessible path is up Latrigg which is near Keswick. The idea is great but I suspect the Gradient will be far too great for anyone to use without an army of pushers, and I certainly wouldnt fancy coming down it.

If anyone want any further info let me know as I dont want to bore you all to death!!

[Lucydog]

Remeber this discussion? Well somebody sent me an a e mail while I was on holiday wanting to know about the Lake District. Unfortunaty once I got back, my in box refused me access (!!) and so Ive had to lose the whole lot as I cant even access the account anymore! technology huh!?

Anyway if it was YOU please contact me again as I wasnt ignoring you really.

thanks
L