THE Island's Infrastructure Minister has said he is "concerned" that motorcyclists are not acting responsibly when using the Island's greenlanes and warned that this could force the closure of these routes to motorised vehicles.

In November Phil Gawne MHK called for motorcyclists to "seriously consider" what they could do to cause less damage and said some tracks could be closed if motorcyclists ignored requests for assistance.

However the Minister revealed, in response to a Tynwald question on the matter from Rushen MHK Quintin Gill, that some motorcyclists were still not accepting responsibility for damage caused to the greenways.

He said: "I do not intend at this time to permanently close the upland tracks to motorcycles although I am aware that there are strong feelings from a number of people about the damage being caused by motorbikes to these tracks.

"It is clear that the people taking their motorbikes onto these tracks have a right to do so but it is equally clear that where rights exist there are also responsibilities.

"I am concerned that elements of the motorcycling fraternity do not wish to accept any responsibility whatsoever for the damage they appear to be causing to the tracks."

The Minister rejected claims from motorcyclists that damage had been caused due to a lack of maintenance and drainage and said £200,000 had already been spent in improving the routes with a further £40,000 scheduled to be spent this year.

He continued: "Very rarely will motorcyclists admit that they cause any damage in the first instance. They also seem to be unwilling to take any steps to limit the damage such as even taking the simple step of changing the tyres, from enduro style tyres to trials tyres, which would go a long way to decreasing the amount of damage.
 
"That said I remain willing to allow people to take their motorbikes onto the tracks but I now wish to put it on record that unless motorcyclists start to appreciate that they have responsibilities as well as rights, and realise that they are not the only users of these tracks, their right to use them may be withdrawn."

The Department of Infrastructure is now carrying out major works on a number of green ways including the Maughold Mountain Track and the Surby Carnanes Track.

Minister Gawne explained: "One of the actions which we will undertake on the Maughold Mountain is to positively mark the track with posts. My expectation is that the motorcyclists will stick to the track and not ride to one side where it may be easier, or faster, or a more interesting and exciting ride. It is my intention that other tracks, such as the Sky Hill Track, will also be marked.

"There have been suggestions that we should introduce a permit system, or charge people to use these tracks, and I have asked my officers to investigate these possibilities. There are also concerns about the numbers of visitors coming over with their motorbikes to use the upland tracks.

"My message to all bikers who use our upland tracks is that if the damaged areas continue to grow and if evidence of a more responsible use of our upland tracks continues to be limited, then prolonged closure of our tracks to motorised vehicles will be the inevitable consequence."

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