Devon TRF Group Forum

When challenged riding a lane on the TRF database you will be able to say that you ride on the basis that
1.There is no sign saying you should not. IE; no Traffic Regulation Order signage displayed prohibiting vehicular traffic.
2.The way is not recorded on the Definitive Map as either a Footpath,Bridleway,or a restricted Byway.
3.The way is recorded as maintainable at public expense by the County Council in the same way as all other minor roads.
4.There is no record of the way being stopped up whereby a court could have removed public rights.
The four things above are the only reasons why we may not legally drive motorcycles.
Most other arguments advanced amount to prejudice, often understandably inflamed by antisocial behaviour.

Ask who they are. If someone will not tell me their name I will withold mine.
You should ask the basis upon which their challenge to you is based.
Ask for specific details of any reasons they advance.
Who, what, where, when, why and how.
Ask for the dates of alleged Stopping Up or Definitive Map Modification Orders or occasions of antsocial behaviour.
If vagueness results suspect NIMBYism.

I have on a number of occasions had to call someone a liar when they have falsely claimed a way had been downgraded or stopped up.

Be sympathetic if they complain about the behaviour of other lane users and ask what response their complaint received at the time concerning any previous events they refer to. Be prepared to discount as irrelevant any such alleged event when they have not made an official complaint, because if they were not bothered enough to complain at the time then why bother you now?
Ask for specific details so you can follow up allegations of antisocial behaviour. The TRF is keen to disassociate itself from such and can use it's influence positively. Tell them about our Code of Conduct.

If they claim any of the four points above is false then tell them where to go................
to check the facts for themselves should they doubt what you tell them.
*(County Hall at Exeter is where the Devon highways network records are kept.)
They may be unaware that the way is recorded as a public road or they may simply be prejudiced NIMBYs.
A few simple questions will reveal which.
Simple education can correct the misaprehension that a way does not hold vehicular status as well as providing directions to the doubters.

Should they persist once made aware the way is recorded as public and that you are not prohibited and that checks have been performed to that end,then ask them to
go away and check their facts.

Remain polite.

Welcome any threats made to call the police and point out that the police will provde you a service by removing them from your path.

Tell them that you will report any obstructive ,threatening or abusive behaviour and use the links on the TRf site to contact Highways or PROW departments at County Hall regarding any obstructions and use the Devon Police non emergency line to report threats. Use 999 if violence results.

Don't turn around otherwise the NIMBY is empowered and will continue to accost people.
If the conversation becomes circular tell them where to go (see * above) if they doubt what you have told them and carry on your way.