What is Green Laning? | How to Ride Safely on Green Roads
If you’ve wanted to ride some of the many rural green lanes that criss-cross the UK, there are a few things you should know before you get muddy
The definition of a green lane or green road is simply a legal right of way, open to some, all or no traffic that hasn't been furnished with a surface or has been left unmetalled. Because of this, grass, bushes and other vegetation can grow through, giving green lanes their name.
Green lanes crisscross the UK, and while you might not have seen one before, you probably live close to one or two routes - in some parts of the country, they are much more numerous. It's estimated that there are around 6,000 miles of green roads in the UK, although because of the nature of them, some can become closed to traffic from time to time to allow for maintenance. Should 6,000 miles of green roads not be enough to satisfy your longing for adventure, you could also opt to explore some trails and routes on mainland Europe. The Trans European Trail (TET) is a circa 100,000km route that covers the length and breadth of the European continent, from the UK in the West to Ukraine in the East, and from Africa to the Arctic Circle.
Green laning on a motorcycle is a great way to put some low-speed miles in, without spending loads of cash. Many people ride enduro bikes although adventure bikes are also popular picks. There's even a movement of people taking to the lanes on lightly modified Honda C90s, proving you don't need to break the bank to get out there.
There are some fairly simple rules and some straightforward pieces of etiquette you should adhere to though, and while legally you can begin to ride green lanes tomorrow should you want to, it's important to check out the basics and learn a few of the rules outlined below.
Do you need a road-legal bike to go green laning?
Yes, if riding a motorcycle on a green lane it must be fully road registered, insured, taxed and MoT’d. Likewise, the rules of the road still apply on a green lane. Naturally, the speed you’ll be riding on a green lane will be lower than you would on a conventional road, but it’s worth keeping it in mind!
Is green laning the same as riding off-road?
References to green laning as off-roading are completely untrue. Green laning is riding on the road, it just so happens that the road you’re riding on has no hard, top surface. Straying off the green lane and onto a farmer’s field or into woodland is deemed as riding off-road and should be avoided at all costs. Think of leaving the lane to ride on a field like pulling onto someone’s front garden and riding around it – you wouldn’t do that, would you?
What should I do if I see someone misusing a green lane?
Take registration numbers and/or photographs (if it is safe to do so) and report the incident to the police on 101. Advise GLASS and the TRF of the incident. Both these groups campaign against irresponsible driving and riding and can help to repair any damage caused by those who don’t abide by the rules.
Top tips for green laning:
Be legal
Byways and green lanes are public roads so you must be legal to use them. Don’t be the kind of rider that gives the rest of us a bad name!
Plan a route and stick to it
You can use OS maps, local council websites and/or an app/site like Viewranger. Failing that, get on some forums, contact the local Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) or book a guided tour.
Bring a friend along
Riding a dirt bike is never as much fun as hitting the trails with a mate. It also means if something goes wrong, there is an extra set of hands to help.
Be polite
Green lanes could also be used by horse riders, hikers, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts – but maybe not the nude kind. As the lane is there for all, try and be polite. Slowing down to a walking pace when passing people is good and switching off your bike to allow a horse to pass is the best thing to do.
Look up
It’s natural to stare at your front wheel when riding on dirt, especially for less experienced riders. It’s not ideal though, and only allows you to see a tiny proportion of what is going on ahead of you. Keep your head and eyes up and look as far in front of you as you can.
Stand up
Sitting down may make you feel more secure, but it actually makes the bike’s centre of gravity higher than standing on the pegs does. Standing up also means you have a better view of the terrain ahead and you’ll find shifting your body weight around much easier!
Pack a bag
You may only be going out for a few hours but green laning burns a lot of calories. Pack some water, sandwiches and a load of chocolate. While you’re there stick in a decent first aid kit and a basic tool kit for the bike too.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
