Support for curbs on bikes using old track

Chapel Gate, a 3km (1.8 miles) ancient packhorse route between Chapel-en-le-Frith and Edale, has become marred by deep ruts, mud, water and exposed rocks due to overuse.

According to the Peak District National Park Authority, erosion has widened up to 12 metres as people deviate on to the surrounding land, which has fragile wildlife habitats.

As a result, last week the authority announced it would be implementing an 18-month-long traffic regulation order (TRO) in a bid to try and prevent further damage.

The move has been welcomed by Friends of the Peak District, which has been calling for action to protect the route as part of its “Take Back the Tracks” campaign.

Andy Tickle, head of planning and campaigns at Friends of the Peak District, said: “Chapel Gate is a very special ancient packhorse route, but it’s now so devastated with deep ruts and exposed rocks that walkers, cyclists and horse-riders are going up on the adjacent environmentally sensitive land and eroding that too.

“It really is time something is done, so we welcome the authority’s decision.

“There is already clear evidence from condition surveys that erosion is a result of motor vehicles – both directly and indirectly – in terms of increased water damage and run-off.

“We would want to see the TRO being made permanent, rather than just experimental, so that Chapel Gate is protected for the longer term.”

The Peak District National Park Authority’s access and rights of way manager, Mike Rhodes, previously said the authority was “working hard to maintain a positive relationship with responsible recreational motor-users.”

This is the authority’s first experimental TRO of this kind.