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Drive Off-Road Legally

The U.K. is a small country and trying to discover where you can ride off-road is a bit of a nightmare.

But it's worth doing a bit of research, because there are more places where you can't ride, than you can, and if you get caught, it could mean a fine. And, if you are in the right, then at least you can quote the relevant law back to the person saying you're not allowed there.

Remember, even though other people might be in the wrong, it is best to be always courteous to other users of the piece of ground, you are using. You can do without arguments, or accidents, and all the implications of such things, whilst you're out enjoying yourself. And don't forget the police have wide-ranging powers when it comes to judging if your riding is causing a nuisance, or harassing someone.

So, lets have a look at the basics.

The common mistake most people make is thinking that any piece of common, or waste ground can be ridden on. Not true. Common land is really only to be used for the grazing of animals (bound by ancient by-laws) and recreational activities, such as walking. Practice your grass speedway technique around a piece of common ground and you're likely to get a police visit quite quickly.

Waste ground is also usually out of bounds. People often make the mistake of thinking that as it's waste ground, it's not owned by anyone. But most ground is officially owned by someone, usually the council, and they forbid motor vehicles (both cars and bikes) using it.

Now, when it comes to rights of way, things are also a little complicated. There are roughly 140,00 miles of public rights of way in England and Wales. They tend to be bridleways, byways and footpaths, and the general public can use them, but not without restrictions.

Take bridleways first. These are for walkers, horses and cyclists; not for motor vehicles.

Some byways, depending on any individual laws they might have, allow motorbikes to use them. As to green lanes, a term used to describe country roads, tracks for byways, again, you might be okay, but for local restrictions.

Footpaths - forget it. And don't risk, because if you injure someone whilst using a motor vehicle on a footpath, they'll throw the book at you.

If you think about using forest tracks, or paths, forget it again. They don't allow it and will take a dim view of those that try. Likewise with canal paths and paths which run along the route of old railway lines. These are mostly designated for walkers.

If you look at the Ordnance Survey maps, you will see such things as white roads. These are made up of public highways, farm tracks, or private roads. Some can be ridden on, but again, there might be local restrictions which forbid the use of motor vehicles.

One way around it might be to speak to a farmer and see if they have a piece of ground that they might let you ride on. But don't expect farmers to readily give up a piece of ground to you and your mates on which to play Motocross. You might get away with it with a trials bike and a promise to behave, but a canny farmer might worry about the insurance implications if you hurt yourself, whilst riding with permission.

Of course, another great way to safely ride your bike off-road is join a club. Usually clubs will have practice areas, as well as race areas, sorted out, so it's a good way to enjoy your sport, or hobby, safely and legally.

So, really, the golden rule is, you can ride off-road if you have the landowners' (whether they be a resident, council, company, or organisation) express permission.

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