S A F E More about SAFE

Why aren't SAFE doing anything in my area

Read some extracts from the December 2000 Newsletter.

Why aren't SAFE doing anything in my area

SAFE is basically a self help group. You want something done, we'll try get some like minded fellow riders together and have a go.

Members have an idea for a project and take it on with the help and support of the committee. The committee largely consist of people with full time jobs/horses and families and fitting the work of the society around other commitments is no easy task. The saying, "if you want something done ask a busy person" appears to often hold true!

There are many benefits from forming a society. For example a society can apply for grants where an individual cannot. It is easier to fund raise under a recognised name and many landowners would rather deal with an organisation as opposed to individuals.

We often find that even in areas where we have active members, many of the local riders are somewhat apathetic. Getting £5 a year membership is like "pulling teeth" and it's always the same few faces who turn up for working parties. It can be frustrating to have non members happily riding past working parties wheelbarrowing and raking grit, who happily remark that they "can't afford" the £5 membership and anyway are "too busy" to help out! However the converse applies to the few local riders who whole heartedly throw themselves behind you. They while away many a happy hour scheming up new ways to raise funds and happily(?) turn up with spade during a torrential downpour to help divert a previously unknown stream which has sprung up and is in danger of washing your new path away.

So if you have an idea for a project, an approachable landowner, the commitment and time to take a project on, there is a wealth of experience when it comes to advice on surfacing your route. Typically we have found a combination of drainage grips (to stop your surface being washed away) and grade 2 limestone scalpings over geotechnical membrane puts paid to many a boggy section. Limited funds may be available towards the project and we can offer ideas as to how to try and extract donations from the local riders who will be using the new route.

If you can put up with the general rider apathy and having to spend what precious spare time you do have (horse and full time job aside) meeting council/forestry/farmers, filling in grants forms, working on the route and writing begging letters to anyone who you think can help, it is incredibly rewarding when you are finally able to ride a new route and get off the roads!