Natural England

Are all Greenways multi-use? How is it decided who can/should use them?
Where possible Greenways should be available for all non-motorised users. 

Local needs should be taken into account, via community consultation and involvement, demand surveys etc.   

Greenways with hard surfaces, and those in urban areas, may be unlikely to be used by horses. However, it is advised to involve the relevant individuals and user groups before coming to a decision. 

Further information on different types of user and their needs is included in the Greenways handbook.

How should I consult with the community and engage people? 
It is essential to work with (and include on a Steering Group) people and organisations who have experience of this. 

The demonstratration projects have used local authorities, Groundwork Trusts and Rural Community Councils. 

The Greenways handbook also includes a section on community consultation. An advantage of involving the local community and user groups in the whole process, engendering a sense of ownership, is that they often help to look after the Greenways in some way. This can range from reporting problems and carrying out surveys, to carrying out practical work. 

What type of surface is best for the different users? 
Different users have different preferences for surfaces. Utility walkers and cyclists and some leisure walkers and cyclists prefer smooth hard surfaces that are well drained and regularly maintained (these are also usable by people with disabilities). Some leisure walkers and cyclists prefer hard surfaces, but these do not have to be 'sealed'. Some prefer a range of other surface types, including softer surfaces such as grass. Horse riders prefer a natural (beaten earth) or grassed track as these do not jar the horses legs. Horse riders and some cyclists do not like loose stones. 

Different users have different impacts on path surfaces, which in some situations make them incompatible. For instance, where horse riding or cycling is frequent on an unsurfaced, poorly drained route they can become churned up and difficult to use. 

Can motorised wheelchairs be used on Greenways? 
Yes, they can. Attention needs to be paid to the surfacing requirements and any furniture should be designed with them in mind. It should be noted that widths need to be greater to allow them to turn.