How do you conserve a Green Road?
The calm before the storm
January 24, 2016
The life of a motorcycling journo can’t be as exciting as it sounds. Can it?
February 7, 2016
Until recently, the words 'conservation' and green road had rarely been used together, even though that's what the TRF has been doing for forty years!
Dave Carling (Loddon Vale TRF) is the TRF's recently appointed Conservation Director. We caught up with him to find out what conservation means and his vision for the year ahead.
TRF:
Hi Dave. So, you're settling into your first month of being a TRF Director. How's it going?
Dave:
I expected a challenge and it certainly has proven to be this way, with 9 directors we have made a great start and formed a framework to work as a team with regard to the new articles and bylaws.TRF:
This year has seen a real surge of interest in members stepping up to help lead the TRF. Why do you think that is?Dave:
There has been a lot of negativity and confusion over the last 2 years and the forums are evidence of this, my view was that this cannot continue and to help the TRF move forward along with the request from the 2014 AGM for more directors I decided to stand for election.TRF:
So, are you a life long trail rider? How did you get into it?Dave:
I got my first moped in 1976, a 50cc Gilera then a brand new RD250 in 1977, but had a few years lapse and came back into motorcycling in 1999. In 2004 I decided to go Green Laning because I wanted to ride throughout winter and eventually joined the TRF as I wanted to explore more lanes but didn’t know how to do it. The TRF gave me that opportunity.
When he's not on the Trail, you'll find Dave riding this
TRF:
You are quite active in Loddon Vale as a RoW officer. Is this something that you have always been interested in, and how does it shape your view of the club as a Director?Dave:
ROW is the most important issue to the TRF and I became interested after NERC (The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act) 2006. Previous to this I had no idea about the issues facing Green Roads. We lost a lot then and we must not lose any more. More ROW officers are required at club level to keep the momentum going.
TRF:
Your official title is TRF Conservation Director. What does that actually mean? Conservation isn't something that has traditionally been linked with Green Roads.Dave:
Conservation, Heritage and ROW work together as Directors. The TRF has a 40 year history and this is our heritage; conservation is the sustainability of using green roads and how we can manage this and get our message across. ROW of course relates to the immediate threats which green lanes are under.
Dave's first and last Enduro. Much too much like hard work!
TRF:
What is your vision for the club in this coming year and beyond?Dave:
We need to move with the times and not be in danger of being outsmarted by those who want to take away our right to use green roads. The MSWG (Motoring and Stakeholder Working Group) will be used by anti MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) groups so we have to be ready. This includes an up to date and positive Code of Conduct which I am reviewing.
TRF:
What can TRF members do in their daily lives and riding to help achieve this goal?Dave:
Our members need to be positive and work/live as one, promote the values of the fellowship and trail riding so that our children will be able to use the roads that we currently enjoy, and maybe more one day!TRF:
Thanks Dave!
