A refreshed Cycling Policy for the Public Forest Estate (England)

Fiona GrovesRecreation OfficerForestry Commission England

November 142

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This session aims to give….

- the context of cycling provision as a key part of our visitor offer……. and in looking after the nations forests

and……

- background on our approach to refreshing our cycling policy

This session aims to give….

- the context of cycling provision as a key part of our visitor offer……. and in looking after the nations forests

and……

- background on our approach to refreshing our cycling policy

Forestry Commission England has been involved

in the development and practical delivery of

cycling opportunities over the last 40 years.

We have had a welcoming responsive approach

where we are able - at a time when many other

land holders have been cautious.

By working with others over the years, we have

led the way to a first class offer at many sites

and for the most diverse range of cyclists.

The best of places

The unique nature of ourforests gives sharedreasons for bike riding –to enjoy nature, to escape the everyday,to improve skills, healthand wellbeing…and much much more….

Giving benefits thatMatch with our missionand the aims of a policyrefresh.

The unique nature of ourforests gives sharedreasons for bike riding –to enjoy nature, to escape the everyday,to improve skills, healthand wellbeing…and much much more….

Giving benefits thatMatch with our missionand the aims of a policyrefresh.

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Help us consider our……

•Formal offer •Informal activity •Events and activities •Working with others •Customer focuswith more clarity

Help us consider our……

•Formal offer •Informal activity •Events and activities •Working with others •Customer focuswith more clarity

Developing a new Cycling Policy

Why a fresh policy?

Why a fresh policy?

• Demonstrate support and commitment for the permissive use of cycling on the PFE – recognising the health and wider benefits of cycling

• Set out our approach - giving clarity on the decision making process

• Help to prioritise and direct available resources and new investment opportunities

• Aid pro-active working with our cycling business partners to further enhance or overall offer

• Frame current and future management (operational guidance and delivery)

• Demonstrate support and commitment for the permissive use of cycling on the PFE – recognising the health and wider benefits of cycling

• Set out our approach - giving clarity on the decision making process

• Help to prioritise and direct available resources and new investment opportunities

• Aid pro-active working with our cycling business partners to further enhance or overall offer

• Frame current and future management (operational guidance and delivery)

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Extensive offer

Total length of cycle trails in England

1242km (2014)

Same distance as total length of

M1, M6, M5, M4

Route lengths

-

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

101-Central 103-East 112-North 117-Yorkshire

304-South 317-West

Km

WalkingOtherForest DriveEquestrianEmergency SericesCycling

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Dedicated work

• Key destination sites, trails, bike parks and areas

• Diverse offer from easy access cycling to wild stuff

• Good health & safety record

• Ground breaking projects

• Hundred of events, club sessions, training and coaching opportunities

Involving others

Unique volunteering and club involvementopportunities….individuals and communities arebecoming more engaged in trail work andmanaging areas. www.forestry.gov.uk/england-volunteerWorking with IMBA, other organisations andour bike business partners to help bettermanage and enhance our offer.

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Our staff and good practice

• A whole range of guidance and management tools for staff

• Dedicated workshops and training

• Resources, including those for extenal:

Guide to Project Development of Mountain Bike facilities and Data sheets for skills areas; downhill; cross country – from:

http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/resources/facilities/outdoors/guide-to-project-development-for-mountain-bike-trails-and-training-facilities/

Also for information:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-cycling

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Talking to those that help us…………..Talking to those that help us…………..

So with your experience and with our……..Formal offer

Informal activity Events and activities Work with othersIn mind……………..

So with your experience and with our……..Formal offer

Informal activity Events and activities Work with othersIn mind……………..

Developing a new Cycling Policy

Key QuestionsKey Questions

• What would help reflect this whole range?

• What principles should there be?

• What help might we need to deliver and maintain this?

• How will we know what we are doing is right?

• Where might we need more research?

• How do we do this with pressure on resources and in giving value for money to all our visitors?

• What would help reflect this whole range?

• What principles should there be?

• What help might we need to deliver and maintain this?

• How will we know what we are doing is right?

• Where might we need more research?

• How do we do this with pressure on resources and in giving value for money to all our visitors?21/04/23 Footer text11