I am deeply concerned by the recent announcement that Forestry England intend to close Ribbesford Bike Park. The trails at Ribbesford Forest have been in existence for over 20 years in one form or another and provide a valuable resource for all levels of riders from beginners to experienced riders alike. It has been a starting point and training ground for riders who have progressed to compete at both National and International levels.

The loss of this facility, for which no alternative provision in the immediate vicinity has been made, will be a massive loss to the cycling community and seems to have been taken with little consultation of the affected cycling community or FC land users.

The closure of the trails will not stop riders riding in Ribbesford woods and the nett result will simply be the creation of illegal uncontrolled trail building and an increased risk to riders and a higher cost to the FC to police. The next nearest FC trails of this nature at Cannock, Eastridge and Mortimer Forest (Bringewood / Bucknell) are all over an hour from this location, which is not sustainable from an environmental perspective nor a realistic consideration of whether local riders would, or are even able to travel to alternative facilities because of age or economic situation.

The eventual goal is to work with Forestry England to find a long term solution to the issues which are threatening Ribbesford, predominantly the parking and trail maintenance, hopefully eventually working towards a true Trail Partnership and the continued existence of this well loved trails. 

As such I will be working to try and ensure that this valuable cycling asset is preserved, however I need your help. If you can sign the petition to demonstrate the importance of the trails and the number of people it will affect it would be appreciated.