We believe that access to the countryside should be for all members of the public. No one should be excluded from using our Public Rights of Way because of any physical, sensory, mental, cognitive, developmental, or intellectual challenges that they experience. The preferred choice of lawful transport on a public highway belongs to the individual, they should not be excluded because of it.
Recreation and time spent outdoors is undeniably good for both physical and mental health. The benefits of access to outdoor green spaces has probably never before been appreciated by so many as in recent years. One in five people in the UK still face daily barriers to various activities due to some form of disability. This is particularly relevant to those less able that would like to access our country’s more remote areas.
While we all faced a communal challenge during Covid, one in five people in the UK face daily barriers to various activities due to some form of disability. This can often be particularly felt when wishing to access our country’s more remote areas.
The UK is full of beautiful hills, valleys, mountains, and lakes that may feel inaccessible to some due to physical barriers to their isolated locations. Others may find distance a challenge due to fatigue, the need to carry medical equipment, or sensory overload when visiting tourist hotspots full of crowds and activity.
Challenges that affect 20% of our population can vary hugely from one person to the next, and this can often lead to missed opportunities to experience the beauty of the UK’s great outdoors, but The Green Lane Association believe that access really should be for all where possible.
Using our nation’s network of ancient unsurfaced roads from the comfort of a vehicle can make stunning vistas, historical sites, and beautiful green spaces accessible to those who may well believe that the rights of way network for foot, cycle and horse traffic offers little opportunity to them.
For the purposes of countryside legislation, motorised use is classed as outdoor recreation and some aspects of motor vehicle use are now part of our cultural heritage, this is therefore something that public authorities are obliged to consider conserving.
Our local authorities have a duty to maintain rights of way without prejudice to any user type and under discrimination laws cannot disadvantage those who face physical or cognitive challenges to a legal and beneficial activity.
Green laning is unique in being an activity that allows complete independence. Unlike many outdoor activities that may require specialist equipment, supervision, or restrict use to purpose-made accessible areas, use of byways either as a driver of your own vehicle, or passenger in another, is outwardly the same for all.
Many Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) have suffered closure as an economical alternative to their proper management that is required by law. They now make up less than 2.5% of the rights of way network in the UK. The Green Lane Association works to protect these vital resources for the benefit of all. No other right of way class affords access to as many user groups or opportunities for those who cannot safely access footpaths or bridleways, and therefore the countryside, without vehicular support. This precious resource is deserving of our protection as are the rights of those who use them, and by proxy the numerous mental and physical health benefits that arise from their use for recreational purposes, particularly for those with additional needs.
As a national organisation, we offer our members access to information that will help them enjoy the remaining network of unsurfaced public roads in the England and Wales using our online route planning tool TrailWise2 (TW2). We also offer the support of our Area Representatives in each county, and local area social media groups that can help members meet other like-minded people. We encourage participation in group outings and attendance of events organised by our Reps, Affiliated Clubs and Affiliated Tour Guides. For more information contact our Accessibility Team at
Useful links:
https://www.gov.uk/rights-disabled-person
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/disability-discrimination
Highways Act 1980: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/contents
Highways Act Section 130: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/section/130