Peak District national park rangers Martyn Sharp, Terry Male and Terry Page prepare to go out on mountain bike patrol

Peak District national park rangers Martyn Sharp, Terry Male and Terry Page prepare to go out on mountain bike patrol

Rangers will be taking to two wheels in a national park to help smooth the way for mountain bikers.

The Peak District rangers will carry out a range of tasks, including giving directions, cycling tips, first aid, supporting with mechanical problems and if necessary mediating where conflicts arise.

National park bosses said the rangers will be able to cover a wider area on their bikes. They added they believed they were the first UK national park to have mountain bike rangers.

They will be out in the area during weekends and will wear high-visibility jackets to make them easy to identify.

Pennine Way ranger Martyn Sharp, who championed the idea, said: “Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports and appeals to people of all ages.

“We’ve had some very positive responses to our cycling patrols from fellow mountain bikers and from walkers.

“Mountain bikers can sometimes feel they aren’t welcome because some say they cause erosion and come into conflict with other users. But we all have an impact on the countryside and we’ve got to respect each other’s pastimes.

“Mountain bikers are certainly welcome on our bridleways and byways.

“We’ll be letting them know where they can and can’t cycle, and telling them about plans for any new routes that will be opened up.”

The Peak District National Park Authority said, as the service develops, rangers will also be using social media such as Twitter and Facebook to give immediate advice and updates on the condition of routes and trails.

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