Paul D

Old, nackered 'n broke, but the Landy is fine . :)
Events Planner
Originally posted on the Glass forum by Justin Brown, reproduced with his permission.

It would seem some people misunderstand what GLASS is, or even, isn't.

GLASS is not a club of any sort, not even a green laning group.

GLASS was set up with the sole intention of protecting green lanes from closure by Local Authorities. Originally it was done with a lot of hands on work because of low membership and ultimately low funds, however the MO has changed slightly now in that, with a sizeable membership, GLASS can actually threaten authorities with legal action if we feel they are not following the law in maintaining lanes.

Occasionally we get asked why we aren’t more clublike and don’t organise laning trips and weekends away. The answer to this is simple; for us to add another level to the organisation that would technically require training, approval, and ultimately insurance and H+S protocol, we would need an entirely different infrastructure, unfortunately this is something that we are unable to support. That's where clubs come in.

GLASS is here to support clubs and individuals alike, and assist them with fighting anything that prevents them from lawfully using green lanes.

GLASS has a considerable network of Representatives.
Without Reps GLASS would fail, they are our eyes and ears, and they are the link between the Exec and our members, they are also the link between GLASS and their own local authority. It works two ways, the reps feed the Exec information, and the Exec ultimately support the reps with anything that requires leverage.

Individual members will probably be unaware that there is a private area on the GLASS forum for reps, and we have a project area on there where reps are encouraged to log their progress with any project they may be carrying out. There are currently several projects that reps are on with, and the Exec are currently involved in two of those projects where we feel the rep has exhausted his options and now needs another level of support.

This is exactly why GLASS is here, and this is why we need the support of the entire laning community. Anyone who thinks their hobby is safe is very much mistaken, the threat of losing all lanes is a very real danger, and we, GLASS as a whole, are committed to safeguarding what is left of the green lane network, for all users.
 
Sorry no, I don't know .. I'll find out for you though.

I'm pretty sure I did last time by email, but I've posted the question in the Glass forum. ;)
 
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Yes there is a reminder .. "Emails go out on the 1st of month for the coming month - And non-renewals also get a txt message at the end of that month."

There's also an option to pay via Paypal annually so no need to renew in the normal manner if you like that sort of thing.

http://www.glass-uk.org/index.php/join-us
 
They could detail the work they do just to clear things up. Do they have an example/ case study of one of their successes?
 
Just got back from a week away in Yorkshire Dales, Hawes, with no phone signal and only sporadic slow internet, so apologies for not replying. Soon as I can I'll get an answer up for you.
 
What are the benefits of becoming a GLASS member?

Mainly what he said in the first post. You are helping to keep the Byways open for all to use, including yourself.
There are some small fringe benefits, like a nice magazine, and technical support and info on Rights of Way matters. But it is mainly a pressure group, not a club. People join to help save the lanes for the future. A bit like paying a subscription to a political party, you are supporting something you believe in.
 
They could detail the work they do just to clear things up. Do they have an example/ case study of one of their successes?

What are the benefits of becoming a GLASS member?

What user groups do GLASS support & assist?

"GLASS is the National User Group for those who enjoy using the Country's network of ancient unsurfaced public roads and vehicular rights of way. We are a not for profit association dedicated to driving, protecting and researching our unique heritage of unsurfaced public highways. We promote legal and responsible driving as a way of enjoying the countryside, campaign against irresponsible use and aim to keep them open for all to use."

Glass offers its members access to information and advice, a bi-annual magazine, monthly bulletins and full access to our comprehensive on-line database of rights of way in Great Britain. We also have a network of local representatives who hold regular meetings and can offer local knowledge to our members. You also get full access to Trailwise, an on-line resource to lane information. In addition you are supporting GLASS protect our dwindling resource of unsurfaced roads.

One example of working with other groups successfully is at the following link

http://www.glass-uk.org/index.php/news-gatesgarth-pass-2

We also have close links with the following companies who either work with us or offer discounts.

http://www.glass-uk.org/index.php/corporate

We currently support LARA, GLAM, TRF and work closely with many other organisations as required.

And lastly some good info of on-going projects and ‘stuff’ on the Glass Facebook page and website.

https://www.facebook.com/GreenLaneAssociation/timeline http://www.glass-uk.org/index.php
 
So you don't include groups other than those "driving, protecting and researching our unique heritage of unsurfaced public highways."?
Isn't that rather short sighted, as other groups such as cyclists, horse riders and ramblers also use the "Country's network of ancient unsurfaced public roads and vehicular rights of way".
If more time was spent finding things we all had in common, rather than constant in-fighting and bickering, I suggest more could be achieved.
I suggest that "Green Laning Ass"ociation is mis-named.
I also suggest that much more could be made of disabled access to the countryside. I cant see many ramblers or horse riders taking disabled passengers on their trips out. 4 wheel motorised transport is, in my opinion, the only method by which perambulatory challenged people can safely be taken to view our wonderful countryside.
 
Isn't that rather short sighted, as other groups such as cyclists, horse riders and ramblers also use the "Country's network of ancient unsurfaced public roads and vehicular rights of way".
If more time was spent finding things we all had in common, rather than constant in-fighting and bickering, I suggest more could be achieved.

I also suggest that much more could be made of disabled access to the countryside. I cant see many ramblers or horse riders taking disabled passengers on their trips out. 4 wheel motorised transport is, in my opinion, the only method by which perambulatory challenged people can safely be taken to view our wonderful countryside.

There is some co-operation with those interest groups, although also some infighting. But of course the interests of those groups are not an exact fit with the interests of motorised vehicular users.
Cyclists, riders and ramblers already have access to vast numbers of footpaths and bridleways, and if some byways lose vehicular rights it is likely that they will be reclassified as bridleways, still usable by the other user groups.
Certainly more co-operation on ROW maintenance and improvement would be welcomed by most! :)

I agree about the disabled, although some steps have been taken in this direction, more could be done.
Another interesting development is the emergence of independent disabled off road groups.

http://www.cornwallrr.org.uk/

The chap who leads the rambles is known to me. When he isnt leading the rambles, he uses his own vehicle. It is low slung, with very low mounted battery packs, and rides on wheels about 18" diameter, with V tread tyres. Very excellent capabilities, and what really made me laugh was it is fully legal to use it on footpaths, as it is classed as a mobility scooter. :D
 
What about "Riding for the Disabled" over the years I have taken many people with mobility issues out on horses
 
That will not be easy. The horsey people have been trying to get the trail bikes off lanes and bridleways for years. Even horses which are good in traffic on tarmac roads get spooked by some of the things the bikers do.
 
That will not be easy. The horsey people have been trying to get the trail bikes off lanes and bridleways for years. Even horses which are good in traffic on tarmac roads get spooked by some of the things the bikers do.
Not just horses get spooked by trial bikes. They come through here about 40 mph, just what you want with cattle around! :rolleyes: :(

Wait til yu meet one of these on a bridleway! :eek: :D

http://www.terrainhopper.com/
 
LOL at least it probably wont go that fast :D Its the speed that is the problem with the bikes, or it was with my horses. Which is why the 4x4s were not such an issue. Just put Green Lane Bike into Youtube. Would you want to meet these



 
LOL at least it probably wont go that fast :D Its the speed that is the problem with the bikes, or it was with my horses. Which is why the 4x4s were not such an issue. Just put Green Lane Bike into Youtube. Would you want to meet these


Think theyve probably bin down the road here before! :( :D
 
Education, education, education. - Bikers dont have to go quickly.

you are immediately removing extra help and funds by discounting them.
 

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