The Guernsey Mountain Bike Association was granted a four-month trial last year from Environment & Infrastructure allowing cyclists with a permit to use routes in the area after dark, however after the trial ended last year an application to use the cliff paths again was turned down.
A police spokesman said that in recent weeks they had received reports of cyclists using the area for trail riding.
‘We’d like to politely remind cyclists using the path to instead use locations where cycling is permitted,’ he said.
‘Mountain bikers using these paths are at risk of colliding with unsuspecting walkers. Uncontrolled access for mountain biking can also cause harm to wildlife and plants in these sensitive areas.’
The area is owned and managed by the National Trust, which opposed the original trial on the paths.
President Mike Brown said mountain biking on the paths was not only antisocial but potentially hazardous.
‘Families with young children, older walkers and dog owners may find it difficult to move aside safely, creating an unnecessary risk of collisions or injury,’ he said.
‘At this time of year the natural environment is particularly vulnerable. New plant growth is emerging after winter dormancy, and ground-nesting birds will soon be returning to nearby areas.
‘While they do not nest directly on the paths, fast-moving bikes can force pedestrians onto surrounding vegetation, increasing the likelihood of disturbance or habitat damage.’
He added that he would encourage anyone who encountered bikes on cliff paths to photograph them where it was safe to do so.
‘This information can be passed on to us, so that the regulations designed to protect both people and wildlife can be properly upheld,’ he said.
Mr Brown said that the trust was still willing to talk to the GMBA to find a suitable location for mountain biking on NT land.
‘If the GMBA could identify land that is not an area of biodiversity importance or a site of special significance, and does not have public footpaths – because we don’t think bikes and pedestrians are compatible – we are still open to helping,’ he said.
However GMBA secretary Mark Smith felt the criteria ruled out any land owned by the trust and so was ‘basically an empty offer’.
‘The data collected from members rides [during the trial] showed the majority of people who took up the trial stuck to the times and the speed limit with a couple of exceptions,’ he said. ‘This is actual data, not hearsay or made-up facts.
‘How about engaging with the local mountain bike community who are willing to put in funding, volunteer hours and ongoing commitment to develop purpose-built trails in less sensitive land, rather than vilifying people who just want to enjoy being outdoors?’
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