Cyclists warned not to ride on cliff paths
CYCLISTS are being reminded that it is against the law to ride on cliff paths after several complaints were made by islanders over the summer.
As a result, Environment & Infrastructure's Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services has put up temporary signs along paths between La Vallette and Fort Pezeries to remind users that cycling on the paths is prohibited by law and that offenders could be fined.
ACLMS said that as well as coming into conflict with walkers, cyclists are causing steps to be undermined by riding down the soft banks between them: 'Such erosion can lead to the destabilisation of the steps and also loss of grass and coastal plants,' said a statement from the department.
'This is exacerbated during wet weather when cycle tracks cause deep rutting and large areas of mud where groups of cyclists have passed through.'
The most affected cliff paths include St Peter Port, St Martin's and Torteval. Damage was also caused recently to a newly-laid concrete path near Bon Port after cyclists rode through it overnight.
While E&I encourages the use of bikes where lawful, 'In some cases they can cause conflicts with other road users and damage to pathways,' said the department.
'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 law applicable to the use of the land.'
