Glossary of UK Motorcycle Trail Riding Terms

This glossary explains common terms used by motorcycle trail riders in the UK, particularly those associated with organisations like the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF).

Legal Route Classifications and Terminology

These terms define the legal status of the routes used for trail riding, which are all part of the public highway network.

Ancient Highway
A non-legal but historic term often used to describe long-established rights of way that existed before modern highway classifications, such as Roman roads, drovers’ roads, or parish boundaries. Legally, they must now be classified as a BOAT, UCR, or other statutory road type to be used by motor vehicles.
BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic)
A classification of public road that is legally open to all users, including pedestrians, equestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. These routes are typically recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement.
Definitive Map (DM) & Statement
The legal documents maintained by Local Authorities that record the public rights of way in their area, including the location and legal status of BOATs, Footpaths, and Bridleways.
DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order)
A legal process under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by which any person can apply to a Local Authority to legally change the Definitive Map and Statement. This includes adding a route, deleting a route, or upgrading/downgrading a route’s status (e.g., from Footpath to Bridleway, or Bridleway to BOAT) based on historical or user evidence.
Green Lane
A generic, non-legal term for an unsurfaced or unmetalled public road in the countryside. These are historic roads that were not paved during the development of the modern road network.
NERC (Natural Environment and Rural Communities) Act (2006)
Landmark UK legislation that extinguished unrecorded public rights of way for motor vehicles on routes that were only recorded on the Definitive Map as a Footpath, Bridleway, or Restricted Byway, subject to certain exceptions.
ORPA (Other Route with Public Access)
An Ordnance Survey (OS) map term used to depict certain public roads, including some unsealed routes that may have vehicular rights. It’s essential to confirm the definitive legal status with the Local Authority.
Public Path
A highway that is either a Footpath or a Bridleway.
  • Footpath A highway legally open only to pedestrians.
  • Bridleway A highway legally open to pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists, but not motor vehicles.
Restricted Byway
A classification of public path legally open to pedestrians, equestrians, and non-motorised vehicles. Motor vehicles are not permitted. This classification largely replaced the older “Road Used as a Public Path” (RUPP) designation.
TRO (Traffic Regulation Order)
A legal order made by a Local Authority or National Park Authority to regulate or restrict the use of a road, often limiting access for motor vehicles, either temporarily or permanently. Contravening a TRO is an offence.
  • Seasonal TRO A legal order that prohibits vehicular use of a route for a specific, recurring period each year (e.g., during the winter months) to prevent damage during wet conditions.
  • TTRO (Temporary Traffic Regulation Order) A temporary order usually made for reasons of emergency, public safety, or to allow for maintenance and repair of the route, with a typical duration of up to 18 months.
UCR (Unclassified County Road)
A minor public road maintained by the local authority that is not classified as an A or B road. They constitute the majority of public roads and, where unsealed, are often used for trail riding. They may also be referred to as “White Roads” due to their historical depiction on Ordnance Survey maps.

Organisations and Lobby Groups

TRF (Trail Riders Fellowship)
A national organisation in the UK dedicated to promoting responsible motorcycle trail riding and preserving the rights of way for motorcyclists. Link trf.org.uk
GLASS (The Green Lane Association)
A national organisation that campaigns to protect and promote responsible use of the UK’s network of unsealed roads and byways, primarily supporting all vehicular users. Link glass-uk.org
BHS (British Horse Society)
A UK-wide membership organisation and charity dedicated to horse welfare, rider safety, and protecting and extending the network of safe off-road routes (Bridleways and Byways) for equestrians. Link bhs.org.uk
The Ramblers
A charity that helps everyone enjoy the UK’s walking routes, campaigns to protect and improve the public rights of way network, and frequently advocates against the motor vehicle use of green lanes. Link ramblers.org.uk
GLEAM (Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement)
A pressure group that campaigns for changes in the law to restrict or prohibit the use of unsealed public rights of way by recreational motor vehicles. Link gleam-uk.org

Tools

GRM (Green Road Map)
A comprehensive map, usually provided by the TRF to its members, that shows the locations and legal status of the routes available for vehicular use across England and Wales. Link greenroadmap.org.uk
FindMyStreet
A website service that provides the official name and, crucially, the maintenance responsibility for every street in England and Wales held in the National Street Gazetteer. This can help confirm if an unsealed route is a maintainable public highway, which can be relevant for determining its legal status. Link findmystreet.co.uk
GPX (GPS Exchange Format)
A common file format used for storing geographical data, including waypoints, tracks, and routes. It is the standard file format used for sharing and loading trail routes into GPS devices and mapping apps for navigation.

Riding and General Terms

Enduro/Trail Bike
A lightweight motorcycle, road-legal but designed with off-road capabilities, which is typically favoured for UK trail riding.
Laning
An alternative, often used term for trail riding or green laning.
LDT (Long Distance Trial)
A non-speed, competitive event held on public roads (including legal green lanes) and sections of private land, designed to test the rider’s navigation, regularity (timekeeping), and off-road riding skill. These events are often organised by motorcycle clubs and are distinct from recreational trail riding.
Off-Piste
A term for leaving the legal trail/highway and riding illegally on private land or an unauthorised Public Right of Way (like a Footpath or Bridleway). This is strictly against the code of conduct and is illegal.
Run/Ride Out
A planned group ride on legal trails, usually organised by a local group of the TRF or GLASS.
Scrambler
An outdated term sometimes used for an off-road or trail motorcycle.
Trail Riding/Green Laning
The activity of riding a road-legal motorcycle on the UK’s legal unsurfaced public roads (BOATs and certain UCRs) for non-competitive exploration and enjoyment. It is not legally considered “off-roading” as it occurs on public highways.