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Taking your first steps can be daunting, but don't worry - our local members will always offer you friendly help and advice and the Trail Riders Fellowship has a dedicated section on their website to help with your questions.
Where can you ride?
There is a network of Green Roads (unsealed legal highway) of over 6,000 miles that crosses England and Wales. The individual Green Roads are varied in their terrain and landscape. It’s great fun exploring them. But one thing you will find is that they can be hard to find, and their legal status can change over time.
Green Roads are typically defined by the authorities as either Unclassified County Roads (UCRs) or Byways open to All Traffic (BOATs) – never ride on footpaths, bridleways or restricted byways. Green Roads can be subject to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which will exclude certain user groups on a temporary or longer term basis. Highway and Local Authorities keep records of all the UCRs and BOATs in their area and you can access these, often through their websites.
The TRF has developed the Green Road Map which is an online digital map showing the whereabouts of all the legal Green Roads in England and Wales.
What should you ride?
When riding Green Roads, it’s worth remembering that they are legal highways, not “off-road” routes.
That means the same rules apply as riding on tarmac: your trail bike needs to be road-legal, taxed, MOT’d, and insured.
One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “What’s the perfect trail bike?” The honest answer is — there isn’t one. Everyone has their own preference. Some riders love classic twin-shock machines, others prefer modern enduro-style bikes, and we’re seeing more and more adventure bikes enjoying Green Roads too.
The right bike for you will depend on a few things: your riding experience, where you plan to ride, and what feels comfortable for you physically.
If you’re new to trail riding, starting small is usually the best approach. Lightweight, low-powered trail bikes (such as 250cc four-strokes) are a great place to begin. They’re easy to manage, capable of handling most lanes, and give you the confidence to build skills at your own pace.
Who might you encounter?
Trail riding brings together a love of motorbikes, the countryside, and exploration. When you’re out on Green Roads, you’ll be sharing them with other users too — walkers, cyclists, horse riders, farmers, and local residents.
A little patience and courtesy go a long way. If you meet someone who seems unsure or anxious — whether a person, a horse, or a dog — slowing down, stopping, and switching off your engine can really help. Horses can also be unsettled by helmets, so removing yours and having a brief, friendly chat often makes passing safely much easier.
Always take extra care around livestock by keeping speed and noise low. The TRF Code of Conduct and guidance on sharing Green Roads help ensure everyone can enjoy these routes responsibly, now and in the future.
Do you need training?
Training is a great way to build confidence and learn new Trail Riding skills. Many new riders are surprised at how different – and challenging – riding unsealed roads can be; the balance, speed and bike control are very different to traditional road riding.
Training can be informal – receiving tips from other Trail Riders while out riding – or you may choose to attend a formal training session that many groups organise, or seek professional guidance.
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