Michael

There are two routes close to Fir Tree cottage. I will explain them, and would be grateful if you could get clarification on the exact location and nature of the points of conflict—we need to know that to be able to consider if action is needed.

1) One trail used to exit from the hillside onto the road just to the south of the cottage, on the same side. The cries of mountainbikers telling their friends that the road was “clear” could be heard by the residents from dawn till dusk, and they asked if the end of the trail could be moved some distance towards Ewhurst, away from the cottage. This has been done by the Hurtwood Control, and the residents are pleased with the result, the mountainbikers cries are now not a disturbance to them. A result of this diversion is that the mountain bikers all have to come down the steep eroded track to the roadside. This is only a temporary expedient, and the trail will be diverted to zigzag down the hillside during the next 12 months, preventing the erosion and slowing bike speeds. This will then deal with one of the access points I assume is referred to.

2) The second access to the road is by the diagonal trail down the gulley behind Fir Tree, exiting onto the road closer to Peaslake. Because of the rugged nature of the gulley, very few cyclists are skilled enough to ride down it, and this has therefore been little used to date. Not many knew about it anyway. It does, however, have a fast run out to the road in the final section. Also, it is not particularly attractive to walk up, therefore one would assume conflict between walkers and bikers to be minimal. I think a small number of cyclists using it is acceptable, but if greater numbers are now using it, this may be an issue. Do your attendees know if this is the case (ie-more using it)?

 

I assume that the above are the points of access referred to.

 

We are looking at ways to manage mountain biking and access in general, and one of the aspects will be the progressive reduction in conflict between the various users, by for instance segregating trails, or amending them at conflict points, and signage. This process is just starting and daunting—the Hurtwood is vast, access is extensive, and resources are limited. It’s a long term project.

However, if you believe that there is an issue of escalating conflict at this second point, please let me know, and we will investigate options sooner. If your attendees could provide precise details, as noted, this will be extremely helpful.

I hope this is useful to you.

regards