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Access and recreation - Aim and objectives

Aim

There will be opportunities for access and recreation in the National Park for people of all ages and abilities and from every sector of society to enjoy the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales and derive a sense of well-being from their experiences.

Objectives:

AR1. Manage and improve the network of public rights of way so that 90% are ‘easy to use’ by 2010, and maintain that level in future years.

AR2. Identify the most appropriate measures to manage the use of motorised recreational vehicles on each sensitive ‘green lane’, and put all such measures in place by 2011.

AR3Produce digital versions of the three ‘Definitive Maps’ of rights of way covering the Yorkshire Dales by 2011 to make it easier to check and resolve issues around the legal status of routes.

AR4Develop Rights of Way Improvement Plans for Cumbria and North Yorkshire by 2007, and involve local communities and their representatives, the Yorkshire Dales Local Access Forum, landowners/managers and users in their development and implementation.

AR5. By 2011 undertake five promotional campaigns aimed at specific recreational activities to raise awareness of the National Park Authority’s recreation charter and codes of conduct.

AR6Through sustainable travel partnerships increase the integration and use of sustainable transport modes for leisure and everyday life within and to the National Park to ensure that by 2011:

  a) the main visitor locations in the Dales are accessible by public transport from their main catchments between Easter and October on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays;

  b) the key corridors in the Dales, linking Kendal, Richmond, Leyburn, Skipton, Settle and Ingleton, have Monday to Saturday public transport access all year;

  c) all public bus services to and within the Dales are operated by suitable, fully accessible, low emission vehicles;

  d) there is a National Park-wide programme of guided walks and events, at least 85% of which are accessible by public transport.

AR7. Increase the accessibility of the National Park to users of all abilities so that by 2010 at east 10km (0.5%) of rights of way are fully accessible by wheelchair users and 105km (5%) bythose with limited mobility, and improve opportunities for those with sensory disabilities.

AR8Develop opportunities, including a National Park-wide programme of events, walks and other activities that encourage healthy lifestyles and assist in the Government’s target of increasing levels of physical activity amongst residents and visitors by 1% per year.

AR9. By 2008, identify and encourage designation of a network of ‘quiet lanes’ to enhance the enjoyment of the National Park for visitors and residents, improve safety of users and to reinforce the tranquillity and landscape character of key areas.

AR10Complete and open the Pennine Bridleway through the Dales by 2009, and identify opportunities to develop additional recreational routes to and from it.

©2006 Yorkshire Dales National Authority, Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3EL Tel: 0300 456 0030 info@yorkshiredales.org.uk