TRF Forums

I have been following with interest the various threads about this protest/rally/rideout and have been unsure about
A) whether to support the event
B) then if so how to be most effect
C) if not why not and whether there is anything else to do that would be effective

To be able to attend I would have had to cancel a meeting that was scheduled a couple of months ago, but that aside I have come to some conclusions for which I will try and explain my stance.

I will not be supporting the event, not because I disagree with the motives but because I don’t think this particular action is more likely to have an adverse. What the anti’s complain about is the number of vehicles and subsequent damage they cause, I don’t believe this is true but that is what we are fighting. Any event within the peak District where there are a large number of Trail Bikes or 4x4’s is playing into their hand and any photographs of large numbers will be used against us for years to come. What would have been better would probably 2 rides of up to 6 people converging at the Peak Districts offices and present a letter on behalf of the TRF. These rides could include celebrities like David Knight, a representative from TBM, members of the TRF Executive and no more than one representative from up to 8 different areas of the country. If you wanted a large protest rally at the handing over of the letter then that would be fine but those people should not be seen as Trail Riders out for the day. In this way we could get out point over and arrange for photographs and articles to be sent to the national and local press especially those in areas of National Parks, with an explanation to the effect that we wanted to demonstrate our concerns but did not want to create an incident within a sensitive area.

Being a member of Manchester TRF I have a lot of respect for the work that Pete Burke is doing to support our cause and events like this if mishandled could backfire badly and undo many years of work behind the scenes. I would therefore ask all members of the TRF who use the Peak District regularly not to go out on their bikes on Tuesday 24 April but to attend any organised protect rally in their bobble hats, Barbour jackets and walking boots so as to show solidarity for the cause but respect for the area. If we had just 12 totally road legal bikes (including number plates) and several hundred walkers I think this would have more effect and the prospect of wider publicity would be greater. It could also be said that many people wanted to be there on bikes but this wa discouraged by our responsible organisation.

Pjt, excellent idea!

I have to say I'm inclined to agree with pjt's suggestion.

I am not convinced by the mass ride idea as I am fairly sure it can only work against us.
Two token but publicised groups of 6 riders riding to meet at a larger gathering at the Peak District Offices seems a more considered approach to my mind but still gets our message over.
One tosser on a crosser (or even one TRF rider being booked on a spurious defect - it's not to say people know people who can arrange these things) would ruin the whole thing if we have a mass ride.

If I was closer I would only opt to turn out to a meeting, not a ride, but being so far away makes any attendance unrealistic.

pjt makes good sense.

I couldn't turn up by bike, but I may be able to attend by car and I can sling in my bike gear to bring with me and do a little demonstrating - let me know the details.

I love you

I cant make it,but I would lend foc one of my vans if thats any help,if you took a LWB Sprinter you could get in 6 bikes,Driver and 2 passengers.

thanks Tony,

Are you coming along on Thursday? If you are could you bring your maps with your Peak routes on so we can mark up some more for the guys going up.

Thanks Tony.......you are one of a number of stars...........i love you too

Mike,

Only posting this on the one thread this time as I've had my say and I don't think this is the right place to be debating internal politics.

The reason for this post however is that from what has been written this is intended to be a protest rally and as such my understanding (although I have not legal qualification) is that an event such as this needs to be notified to the police and approved.

As from what you have said this event is approved by the TRF's executive committee so can you confirm that the executive or somebody delegated on their behalf has applied for such permission.

I am sure we will have members who are better qualified than me to comment on this and should I be wrong please accept my apologies.

Peter

Hi Peter,

No one has contacted the police directly ( Sorry apparently the Anti's have in hoards) but i was talking to Pete Burke last night and he has had conversations with the officer responsible for Black Brook who would like to know from the horses mouth whats occurring. But generally as we are not doing anything like blocking roads or interfering with anyones right of way we do not have to notify the police but they would like to know so they can be prepared if an incident does occur.

I have given my number to Pete to pass on to the officer ( I am ashamed to say i did not catch his name) and i will brief him.

I hope i have understood Pete correctly.

I appreciate your contribution to this discussion. I think you will find we are not millions of miles apart. What is in your suggestion is most likely what going to happen.

Regards