MTB'ers vs landowners / malicious damage to property etc.

[The Saint]

I think a lot of the farmers view MTB's in the same light as moto x and quad bike riders - throw them all in the same pot and and give them all the same treatment.

[Cassie]

I think that if you have areas that you think may be suitable to cross through, have a chat with the landowner, he can only say yay or nay! But if you don't ask, you will never know!

 

This is true and the only correct procedure to follow...

What I'm actually interested in was the issue of property damage...are MTB'ers really damaging people's property where they pass through?

[Caerus]

yes, liability is a big issue...luckily we in SA aren't the litigating mad type you get in AUS for example...

 

You would be surprised, have you not noticed the adverts starting to appear on telly. The damage down from constant riders is also a problem he said to me, even though it is a mtb

[Mojoman]

I think a lot of the farmers view MTB's in the same light as moto x and quad bike riders - throw them all in the same pot and and give them all the same treatment.

How true, some time ago I was riding in the area and bumped into a landowner, he told me he has no problem with the occasional cyclist but has been having problems with quad bikers in the area. This I know to be true as about 10km down the road is a holiday resort that is packed with quadders on weekends and they just go where they want without any thought for anyone else. All the roads these tjops ride on are cut up from donuts and skids etc.

[Cassie]

Don't get me started on quads!!

 

They muck it up for everyone else.....talk about inconsiderate!!

[Shebeen]

 

From what i've gathered so far:

(1) Leaving gates open = risk to livestock etc.

(2) Littering...definate no no

(3)Cutting of fences...not MTB'ers...they are far to weight weeny to carry extra weight in form of wirecutters!!

(4) climbing over fences, yes that will be an issue...but if there are existing routes...then no need for climbing anywhere!

don't forget as soon as land becomes 'vaguely publicly accessible' the right to loiter can be a problem. Some don't mind people on their land, but don't want to invite the criminal element.

 

 

I respect their right to privacy, but damn...some areas are just sooo beautiful that it is an absolute shame not to share those views/ areas with others!!

AMArider is the best vehicle to approach these landowners through.

[GLuvsMtb]

The tresspassing issue should not be underrated. In areas where poaching is a problem farmers shoot first and then ask questions. I will never knowingly access private land without obtaining permission to do so.

 

Certain crops are very sensitive to dust (grapes and soft fruit in particular). Riding on a farmers land may cause a drop in crop quality, leading to massive financial losses.

 

The attitude of "We're not bothering anyone" is selfish and short sighted. These farmers argue that if you cannot respect their property by staying off it, how will you respect the rules that they may have for allowing you to use it. There is little financial gain to allow riders on your property and if you are going to be a nuisance, you'll be forced to go elsewhere.

[Myra]

Also - what happens if there is an accident? The farmer's Sunday afternoon nap gets disrupted because he now needs to rescue someone who has crashed. I know of at least one such incident where trespassing mountainbikers got into trouble and needed help. And now its the farmer's problem because he can't just leave them there.

 

If I had a farm and wanted to go skinny dipping in a dam, I would want to do so without having to worry about prying eyes...

[Cassie]

Also - what happens if there is an accident? The farmer's Sunday afternoon nap gets disrupted because he now needs to rescue someone who has crashed. I know of at least one such incident where trespassing mountainbikers got into trouble and needed help. And now its the farmer's problem because he can't just leave them there.

 

If I had a farm and wanted to go skinny dipping in a dam, I would want to do so without having to worry about prying eyes...

 

That's one sure way to keep people off your property!! Keep walking around nekkid...

[reteid]

riding on private land without prior consent is a definite no no."my right to swing my arms stop where the other person's nose begins"