Comments on: Let's Go To Leeds…Trans Pennine Trail

By: wildnorthlands

wildnorthlands — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:21:26 +0000

The TPT office has made progress with the motorcyclist issue – they’ve had a number of sting operations where bikes have been confiscated and they’ve had words with local motorbike shops who were previously selling bikes to people and telling them it was fine to use them on the TPT. Barnsley now has an excellent Sustrans Liaison Ranger, Scott Hurley, who’s taken on the massive job of turning the tide. You can find out what he’s up to at http://www.transpenninetrail.org.uk/template.asp?ID=839&parentID=510 Sustrans has actually done quite well out of the Local Sustainable Travel Fund, so still has resources to help volunteers sort out out issues on their local bits of trail – local authorities are suffering swingeing cuts in their budgets though, so don’t expect much action from them. Also Barnsley now has a couple of CTC Right to Ride Reps who are working to improve cycling conditions in the town.

As for friendly rivalry between Sheffield, Leeds and Barnsley long may it continue as we vye to become the most cycle-friendly settlements in Yorkshire! (Time to have a go at York next I think – get them with their millenium bridges)

By: LeedsTourer

LeedsTourer — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:31:13 +0000

The Barnsley section of the trail is definitely neglected and vandalised. I’ve never had a problem with motorcyclists, but there is smashed glass all over the track from entering the outskirts of the town to leaving them, and many of the signs have been vandalised – there is one crossroads sign that has had all the individual signposts smashed off, and others are smashed out of direction. Needs sorting out tbh but I know sustrans are already struggling with funding cuts…

And Leeds is brilliant – it’s not our fault you’re just not up there with Manchester or Leeds as far as influential, vibrant cities go… you’re a nice town though

By: wildnorthlands

wildnorthlands — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:47:02 +0000

Steve, I’m sorry if you were offended by this article. It was written a few years ago and was intended to provoke the people of Barnsley into doing something about the appalling state of the Trans Pennine Trail.When you have had youths on motorbikes attempting to push you off your bike when you are riding an off-road trail, it tends to leave a bad impression.The dispaaraging remarks about Leeds and Barnsley were intended to be taken in a spirit of friendly local rivalry.

A recent visit showed that sadly, the trail to the North of Barnsley is still as bad as it ever was. We do of course accept that the problems are caused by a minority of Barnsley-ites.

By: steve carman

steve carman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:37:06 +0000

Not sure I like your comments with reference to Barnsley folk although I`m originally from Leicester i`m married to a Barnsley person. Everywhere as its minority of people I believe you think the majority of Barnsley folk are.

Sorry will not be using your site again due to your attitude.