A refreshed Cycling Policy for the Public Forest Estate (England) Fiona Groves Recreation Officer Forestry Commission England

November This session aims to give…. - the context of cycling provision as a key part of our visitor offer……. and in looking after the nations forests and…… - background on our approach to refreshing our cycling policy This session aims to give…. - the context of cycling provision as a key part of our visitor offer……. and in looking after the nations forests and…… - background on our approach to refreshing our cycling policy

Forestry Commission England has been involved in the development and practical delivery of cycling opportunities over the last 40 years. We have had a welcoming responsive approach where we are able - at a time when many other land holders have been cautious. By working with others over the years, we have led the way to a first class offer at many sites and for the most diverse range of cyclists.

The best of places The unique nature of our forests gives shared reasons for bike riding – to enjoy nature, to escape the everyday, to improve skills, health and wellbeing… and much much more…. Giving benefits that Match with our mission and the aims of a policy refresh. The unique nature of our forests gives shared reasons for bike riding – to enjoy nature, to escape the everyday, to improve skills, health and wellbeing… and much much more…. Giving benefits that Match with our mission and the aims of a policy refresh. 19/12/2015Footer text 4

Help us consider our…… Formal offer Informal activity Events and activities Working with others Customer focus with more clarity Help us consider our…… Formal offer Informal activity Events and activities Working with others Customer focus with more clarity Developing a new Cycling Policy Why a fresh policy? Demonstrate support and commitment for the permissive use of cycling on the PFE – recognising the health and wider benefits of cycling Set out our approach - giving clarity on the decision making process Help to prioritise and direct available resources and new investment opportunities Aid pro-active working with our cycling business partners to further enhance or overall offer Frame current and future management (operational guidance and delivery) Demonstrate support and commitment for the permissive use of cycling on the PFE – recognising the health and wider benefits of cycling Set out our approach - giving clarity on the decision making process Help to prioritise and direct available resources and new investment opportunities Aid pro-active working with our cycling business partners to further enhance or overall offer Frame current and future management (operational guidance and delivery) 19/12/2015Footer text 5

19/12/2015Footer text 6 Extensive offer Total length of cycle trails in England 1242km (2014) Same distance as total length of M1, M6, M5, M4

19/12/2015Footer text 7 Dedicated work Key destination sites, trails, bike parks and areas Diverse offer from easy access cycling to wild stuff Good health & safety record Ground breaking projects Hundred of events, club sessions, training and coaching opportunities

Involving others Unique volunteering and club involvement opportunities….individuals and communities are becoming more engaged in trail work and managing areas. Working with IMBA, other organisations and our bike business partners to help better manage and enhance our offer.

19/12/2015Footer text 9 Our staff and good practice A whole range of guidance and management tools for staff Dedicated workshops and training Resources, including those for extenal: Guide to Project Development of Mountain Bike facilities and Data sheets for skills areas; downhill; cross country – from: facilities/outdoors/guide-to-project- development-for-mountain-bike-trails-and- training-facilities/ Also for information:

19/12/2015Footer text 10 Talking to those that help us…………..

So with your experience and with our…….. Formal offer Informal activity Events and activities Work with others In mind…………….. So with your experience and with our…….. Formal offer Informal activity Events and activities Work with others In mind…………….. Developing a new Cycling Policy Key Questions What would help reflect this whole range? What principles should there be? What help might we need to deliver and maintain this? How will we know what we are doing is right? Where might we need more research? How do we do this with pressure on resources and in giving value for money to all our visitors? What would help reflect this whole range? What principles should there be? What help might we need to deliver and maintain this? How will we know what we are doing is right? Where might we need more research? How do we do this with pressure on resources and in giving value for money to all our visitors? 19/12/2015Footer text 11