Biking heroes: ‘I’m just trying to keep green roads open’

Carole Nash and MCN, have launched a country-wide search to find the biker who gives something back, goes the extra mile and benefits those less fortunate than him or herself.

Hugh Cleary is a Trail Riders Fellowship and Peak District Vehicle User Group member fighting to keep green lanes open for bikers

“The Peak District National Park has the authority to close routes in the park, which we as recreational motorists have been able to use in the past. I’ve been riding these trails since 1972 and they’ve now become more popular, especially in the last ten years,” said Hugh.

“So the Peak Park Authority are trying to get rid of the green lanes by putting traffic regulation orders on various routes and close them one by one. The Peak Park has a political set of ideas which are anti recreational-motorist and want to stop motorcycles from using green lanes completely. 

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“What we have to do to fight this is find historical evidence which shows that motorised vehicle users have been free to use those routes over a given period of time. We have to go back as far as 1700 by going through deeds of land, old maps and old routes. It’s an incredible level of detail and work which takes a lot of research and work by people who are not historians… but are determined to keep these lanes open for everyone to enjoy. 

“We’re trying to get a bank of evidence of users who have used these routes and prove it to the government. The Peak Park Authority has managed to close some well-known routes and based it on noise pollution but we’ve managed to keep others open. We’re a small team but determined to find a solution for all users. 

“I hardly think I’m a hero in any way. I’m just a member of a local team trying to keep ‘Green Roads’ open for recreational motorists and prevent the closure of lanes which motorcyclists have been using for many years.” 

Nominate your biking hero

Do you know a biking hero? We want you to nominate those who are worthy the recognition. And with cash prizes up for grabs, this is your chance to give your Biking Hero their moment in the spotlight. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for you and your hero to be part of the Carole Nash stand at the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC in November. 

Carole Nash are offering a total of £2000 in prize money for the top three-placed heroes and their nominators. The hero crowned the overall winner will be presented with the Carole Nash Biking Hero 2017 trophy at Motorcycle Live. Now we appreciate that some of these biking heroes shun publicity or fuss, but this a chance to really highlight the work they do and the worthy causes they do it for.

Find out more details on how to nominate and vote for your hero here.

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