Tuesday 29 October 2019
Over the summer months, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure's Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) received a number of complaints from members of the public and the Parish Constables about cyclists using the south coast cliff paths between La Vallette and Fort Pezeries, Torteval.
The Committee encourage the use of bicycles where lawful, however in some cases they can cause conflicts with other road users and damage to pathways.
Steps are also being undermined by cyclists habitually riding down the soft banks alongside them. Such erosion can lead to the destabilisation of the steps and also loss of grass and coastal plants. This is exacerbated during wet weather when cycle tracks cause deep rutting and large areas of mud where groups of cyclists have passed through. Cliff paths noted to be particularly affected by cyclists include St Peter Port, St Martins and Torteval. Notable damage to a newly laid concrete path near Bon Port was caused recently by cyclists riding through it overnight.
Temporary signs are being put up along the cliff paths between La Vallette and Fort Pezeries to remind users that cycling is prohibited by law and that offenders may incur a fine.
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.
Works to improve cliff paths and rebuild steps have been underway since early summer and the Committee will ensure that the pathways are maintained for islanders' enjoyment.
