Providing information about what route users can expect and susceptibility to damage allows them to make their own decisions as to whether their intended use is responsible, but this sign does not make clear that cyclists, or other users, should therefore consider not using the path during or after wet weather. The cycle logo also suggests the message only applies to cyclists, or indeed that only cyclists enjoy access rights along this path. Violet Woods Millennium Nature Trail a good example of signage to help manage – access The Millennium Nature Trail is a waymarked path through the woodland around Wiltonburn Park. The path is used daily, and is particularly popular with local dog walkers, as well as visitors to Hawick. Along the north side of the park, the path runs through an avenue of beech trees. Most of the path is unsurfaced, which is fine for pedestrian use year-round, but during wet weather, cycle and equestrian use can cause problems. Rather than try and restrict access by gates or signs, Scottish Borders Council took the positive decision to erect suitably worded signs either end of the path which remind horse riders, cyclists and dog walkers of their responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Keys to success The Millennium Nature Trail signs encourage everyone to respect the woodland for mutual enjoyment, rather than pointing a finger at one particular type of user. Signs have been kept simple rather than risk confusing people or diluting the most important messages with too much information. Focusing on specific messages is far more effective than simply reminding or advising people to the Code” those who already know the Code but aren’t “Know – adhering to it are likely to ignore such signs, and those that don’t would then need to look up the Code on a smartphone, or on return home, neither of which is likely to achieve the required responsible behaviour. Signage on downhill or other bespoke mountain bike routes Legally, rights of responsible access apply to most land, including paths or routes created for mountain bikes. Signs such as this which suggest no entry to a one-way cycle trail conflict with the Land Reform Act, and with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Providing information about what route users can expect and susceptibility to damage allows them to make their own decisions as to whether their intended use is responsible, but this sign does not make clear that cyclists, or other users, should therefore consider not using the path during or after wet weather. The cycle logo also suggests the message only applies to cyclists, or indeed that only cyclists enjoy access rights along this path. Violet Woods Millennium Nature Trail – a good example of signage to help manage access The Millennium Nature Trail is a waymarked path through the woodland around Wiltonburn Park. The path is used daily, and is particularly popular with local dog walkers, as well as visitors to Hawick. Along the north side of the park, the path runs through an avenue of beech trees. Most of the path is unsurfaced, which is fine for pedestrian use year-round, but during wet weather, cycle and equestrian use can cause problems. Rather than try and restrict access by gates or signs, Scottish Borders Council took the positive decision to erect suitably worded signs either end of the path which remind horse riders, cyclists and dog walkers of their responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Keys to success The Millennium Nature Trail signs encourage everyone to respect the woodland for mutual enjoyment, rather than pointing a finger at one particular type of user. Signs have been kept simple rather than risk confusing people or diluting the most important messages with too much information. Focusing on specific messages is far more effective than simply reminding or advising people to “Know the Code” – those who already know the Code but aren’t adhering to it are likely to ignore such signs, and those that don’t would then need to look up the Code on a smartphone, or on return home, neither of which is likely to achieve the required responsible behaviour. Signage on downhill or other bespoke mountain bike routes Legally, rights of responsible access apply to most land, including paths or routes created for mountain bikes. Signs such as this which suggest no entry to a one-way cycle trail conflict with the Land Reform Act, and with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
shared_use_signage_guidance_notes.docx