Information on Loughborough

Beat officer urges cyclists in Loughborough to use proper facilities

Posted on 20/07/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Beat officer urges cyclists in Loughborough to use proper facilities

Cyclists are being reminded that they are not allowed to ride their bikes within the Outwoods in Loughborough. 

Outwoods is an ancient woodland, which has been under tree cover since 1500, and is a designated site of scientific interest because of the rare plants that grow there.  As a result a bye law is in place banning cyclists from using the woods in order to protect the flora and fauna and for the safety of other people using the wood. 

The neighbourhood beat officer for the area, PC 2062 Nathaniel Lockley, said a lot of people are ignoring the warning signs at the entrances to the wood; “It certainly seems to be a bigger problem this year than last year which might be because we’ve had a nicer summer.  It is certainly happening every day and I am carrying out regular patrols in the wood, not only to prevent crime, but also to stop cyclists from using the wood and damaging the plants.  

“The terrain of the woods is very hilly with lots of crags, slopes and single tracks which makes it attractive to cyclists but visibility is often poor because of the winding nature of the paths and it is only a matter of time before there is an accident and a pedestrian is knocked off their feet. I’d like to ask everyone to respect the bye-law, keep off their bikes and use the other facilities available to them instead.”

Mark Graham, a Wildlife Development Officer for Charnwood Borough Council, said; “I would ask people to respect the fact that the wood is a site of scientific interest which contains rare plant and animal communities.  Outwoods is recognised as being of national importance and I hope people will stop being selfish and use the proper facilities which are situated only half a mile away at Beacon Hill.” 

Councillor David Snartt, Chairman of the Outwoods Management Committee, said; "For some time now the management committee have seen this as a major problem, which seems to be on the increase, this especially as we are striving to open up the wood to people with disabilities and families. Some of the speeds these cyclists travel through the wood are, in my view, seriously damaging the safety of the many visitors who come to enjoy this natural and peaceful environment. I welcome the help of the Police. This hopefully will deter these unwanted cyclists from visiting the wood, creating a safer place for the majority of visitors who enjoy this special part of Charnwood Forest."