When yellow roads turn green - TRF article

[Eastmidsbiker]

Given most of the articles you read about green lanes are pessimistic about how the lanes are reducing with increased pressure from lobby groups I found this article by Sean Comber quite optimistic. https://trail.trf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TRAILSpring26EMag.pdf . Page 26 the article is called "When yellow roads turn green".

Given the pressure on public funds, it’s no surprise that services suffer and some are abandoned altogether. Where does that impact trail riding? Diminishing road maintenance. To the extent that many of today’s yellow roads are fast becoming ‘green’, as Sean Comber explains

Sticking up “Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles” signage is the more cost-effective option for all but the most spiteful of authorities.

 

[Snaf]

Indeed, we have many local roads that are falling apart. Devon county Council have even introduced a "green road" designation for some of them. For years I've asked what is the "not suitable for motors" sign policy "NSFM" and had no answer but now there are new ones being put up.
We often go out and ride routes bypassing lanes just for a change and find most single lanes between hedges muddy.
A recent group that came to Devon after a storm thought we had 90% of a 120 mile route off tarmac in one day.