Riding down "Emergency Access Road"

[natrapx]

Hi to everyone

I'm looking at starting to commute via cycling, and have been looking at some routes as part of my preparations. I could do with some advise on part of the route. Sorry I wasn't sure where else to ask!

I've found a route which is technically a road as per the maps (google at least!), but is marked down with "emergency access road" - I've attached a picture showing the entrance, exit and the route i'd be looking at taking. For reference, i'm going from Coleshill Parkway to Wood End, Atherstone. Where there is a red x is one of these signs stating about the access

http://imgur.com/Mo07CjX
(pictures are back to front, the one on the left is at station road, on the right of the map)

Can any one think of any issues with using this route? It means I can get a more direct route home, but more crucially, avoid the crush of traffic in Coleshill leaving the long way. We have a particular crossroads i'd like to avoid because it can be manic with traffic, and potentially dangerous for a new rider such as myself. Plus it would save 1 1/2 miles!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[ianrauk]

If it doesn't say 'Private Property - No Trespassers' then I would use it.

 

[natrapx]

Many thanks for the quick reply. That was what I was assuming but figured people like yourselves would know the law better than I would. I'm going to try and get a closer look at the gate on the way back, but presume again that if its emergency access needed at all times, it wouldn't be locked!

 

[steveindenmark]

I would use it as well. You would not be obstructing anything.

 

[Katherine]

Only one way to find out, Try it and see!

 

[mjr]

It says "No Unauthorised Access" @ianrauk which I suspect would have a similar effect, wouldn't it?

OS maps make me think the only similar right of way is a footpath from the middle of the fork at the east end of Gorsey Lane to the west end of Watery Lane, but that doesn't look rideable on anything except an MTB.

You could write and ask Hams Hall if you can cycle that way - maybe check with PushBikes or whichever campaigning group covers that area first? OSM-based route planners want to send you round Lea Marston so it's probably not a certainty.

Which crossroads are you wanting to avoid? The obvious ones look avoidable, although some are easier than others.

 

[Tim Hall]

It says "No Unauthorised Access" @ianrauk which I suspect would have a similar effect, wouldn't it?

OS maps make me think the only similar right of way is a footpath from the middle of the fork at the east end of Gorsey Lane to the west end of Watery Lane, but that doesn't look rideable on anything except an MTB.

You could write and ask Hams Hall if you can cycle that way - maybe check with PushBikes or whichever campaigning group covers that area first? OSM-based route planners want to send you round Lea Marston so it's probably not a certainty.

Which crossroads are you wanting to avoid? The obvious ones look avoidable, although some are easier than others.

Simplest way is to use the Mk I Winning Smile if challenged. "It is easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission".

 

[mjr]

Simplest way is to use the Mk I Winning Smile if challenged. "It is easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission".

That's fine if you're really sure it's safe. There's a quarry road near me I'd love to use because it would cut 2 miles off a 5 mile route (including ⅔mile of major A road), but it's just not safe with how the lorries hurtle along it.

 

[natrapx]

Thanks everyone so far. I havnt got around to getting a bike yet so can't make my way there at the moment to give it a go, (still making the mind up on what to get!) but the responses so far are fairly encouraging. Can't see it would be an issue but a cheeky grin and friendly hello usually helps in these situations!

 

[growingvegetables]

I would use it. There's bypasses to the gates. No "Cycling is Prohibited" signs.

And I wouldn't stir a hornet's nest by asking permission, or whatever.

But I DO have a winning smile.

 

[CopperCyclist]

It says "No Unauthorised Access" @ianrauk which I suspect would have a similar effect, wouldn't it?

Use that as your excuse - "oh I thought unauthorised access meant vehicles - I presumed pedestrians and cycles souls have been authorised. If it had said 'private property' I wouldn't have dreamed of coming in - sorry"

Use it until someone makes it clear you shouldn't if it makes a big difference to you!

 

[wisdom]

What would the emergency access be to? Is it M.O.D

 

[Incontinentia Buttocks]

Tell them it's an emergency if someone tries to stop you.

 

[HLaB]

What would the emergency access be to? Is it M.O.D

Probably residential; lots of new developments have them councils insist that a development over a certain size has two accesses in the event of one being blocked.

 

[natrapx]

Nah, its to a big (very big) industrial/distribution park near the M42, think there are some water treatment works nearby too so possibly the reason.

I did end up finding a local fishing club which happens to use that road to get to the lake the road runs by. Asked them and its a public path so thankfully that's one less thing to worry about!