Cyclists head for south coast cliff paths – at night
Guernsey’s mountain bikers are celebrating after a decade-long campaign to allow them to use cliff paths along the south coast has seen approval for a four-month night-time trial.
From 30 November to 29 March licensed members of the Guernsey Mountain Biking Association will be able to use two sections of cliff path in St Peter’s and Torteval for night-time mountain biking.
Association secretary Mark Smith said it had been trying to get permission to cycle along the cliff paths for 10 years and over that time had submitted four different proposals.
‘The approval marks a significant milestone in expanding recreational opportunities for responsible mountain biking in the island. As an organisation we have been very keen for a number of years. We have adapted our proposals after feedback and have mitigated for erosion and the impact on wildlife. I also think there has also been a change in the political appetite during that time to allow this,’ he said.
Mr Smith was keen to stress that riders must be GMBA members and have obtained the required trial licence, which must be displayed. Other restrictions include only using the paths between 6pm and 5.30am, riders travelling in a single direction from east to west, and not exceeding 10mph. Lights are mandatory. Pedestrians will have right of way at all times and the use of e-bikes is prohibited.
Failing to comply with the restrictions could result in a fine.
An Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services spokesman said it had been working with the bikers for some time to find a workable solution for a trial, without impacting the local environment or other people’s use of the paths.
The two sections of cliff path – from Les Tielles to Mont Herault Watch House and from the Batterie Dollman to the demolished bunker at Pleinmont headland – are just under a kilometre long each.
