Sustrans Ranger - Should I register....?

[stoatsngroats]

I'm thinking of volunteering my services to Sustrans, as a Ranger, primarily because I believe that cycling should be enjoyed by as many people as possible, in a community which accepts cyclists as a valued group of people, with benefits to all other road users.

I realise that change is generally a difficult thing to make people accept, but I see many possible improvements to where I live, and it's surrounding area, and, if there are rangers in the area, they could use some help!

What should I know before volunteering....?

 

[Noodley]

I'm not sure if he is a frequent Cafe visitor but I'm fairly sure Alves is a Sustrans Ranger...maybe send him a PM?

 

[longers]

They've been advertising on local radio for Sustrans volunteers for the TransPennineTrail.

I'd have done it quite happily when I lived 300 yds from it, just reporting anything that needed attention, being the eyes and ears for them and volunteering for working parties if you liked is how it's described. As someone who used it daily if not more often then it would have been good to put something back.

 

[stoatsngroats]

I'm not sure if he is a frequent Cafe visitor but I'm fairly sure Alves is a Sustrans Ranger...maybe send him a PM?

thanks Noodley!

I'd have done it quite happily when I lived 300 yds from i..../.... good to put something back.

There's hardly any cycletrack/path/route near me, but plenty of scope for some. It's something I'm beginning to feel strongly about...

 

[Gromit]

We have a really cool Ranger in York, he's out everyday litter picking and keeping the cycle paths free of broken glass, he puts the effort in.

Others don't bother doing anything, one lady ranger I was cycling behind stopped in the middle of the cycle path without looking, almost making me crash into her. Another lets his dogs run all over the place as he is cycling around.

I think if your going to be a ranger, you have to put some effort in otherwise its pointless.

 

[Steve Austin]

Would be nice if anyone has experience would post on here..

 

[Kirstie]

We have a really cool Ranger in York, he's out everyday litter picking and keeping the cycle paths free of broken glass, he puts the effort in.

Others don't bother doing anything, one lady ranger I was cycling behind stopped in the middle of the cycle path without looking, almost making me crash into her. Another lets his dogs run all over the place as he is cycling around.

I think if your going to be a ranger, you have to put some effort in otherwise its pointless.

Someone I know of, who is a ranger in manchester, is a complete and utter psycho (and not in a good way, either). You can't be too careful...

 

[snorri]

What should I know before volunteering....?

The duties vary depending on your locality. Some parts of the NCN are owned and maintained by Sustrans in which case you could become involved in the practical aspects of maintenance, tree and shrub pruning, sweeping surfaces etc. Usually there is a local co-ordinator who liases with the volunteers, so you might be out working with a group. Once you have learned the ropes I suppose you could work as and when suited yourself. Other parts of the NCN are owned and maintained by Local Authorities or Trunk Road authorities.You would not do practical work on these sections, but would monitor path surfaces, litter, signing, subsidence, weed encroachment etc and send in a written report to the LA for attention.
Sustrans usually have an annual get together at various locations around the country where you meet others and generally find out what's new.
There is nothing to fear, join up!

 

[stoatsngroats]

We have a really cool Ranger in York, he's out everyday litter picking and keeping the cycle paths free of broken glass, he puts the effort in.
I think if your going to be a ranger, you have to put some effort in otherwise its pointless.

Exactly the reason I'm thinking of doing this! I really believe that my local area has great potential, but it seems to have not been realised! (Apologies to any local involved parties - I know that it may not be easy to achieve, and there are many who would never support routes for cycles - I'm not blaming anyone!)

Someone I know of, who is a ranger in manchester, is a complete and utter psycho (and not in a good way, either). You can't be too careful...

Hi Kirstie - this is not my idea of helping the cycling community then, I;d be like the York ranger above...

The duties vary depending on your locality. Some parts of the NCN are owned and maintained by Sustrans in which case you could become involved in the practical aspects of maintenance, tree and shrub pruning, sweeping surfaces etc. Usually there is a local co-ordinator who liases with the volunteers, so you might be out working with a group. Once you have learned the ropes I suppose you could work as and when suited yourself. Other parts of the NCN are owned and maintained by Local Authorities or Trunk Road authorities.You would not do practical work on these sections, but would monitor path surfaces, litter, signing, subsidence, weed encroachment etc and send in a written report to the LA for attention.
Sustrans usually have an annual get together at various locations around the country where you meet others and generally find out what's new.
There is nothing to fear, join up!

Thanks snorri, just the kind of info I was after.....

Well, I've applied!

Just hope my desire can be born out in the future, and everyone can enjoy the fruits of my ranger labours! (Not to big for my boots eh....?)

 

[ufkacbln]

Warts'n'all.....

 

[Oscars Dad]

NCN Ranger

I am a Ranger in Witham Essex, in fact I am now a Liaison Ranger with my own Ranger Group covering Great Dunmow, Braintree, Witham and Maldon. I love it, it's really interesting, rewarding and great fun.

Like all volunteering, it's what you make it. Take some time to work out what you want to achieve, don't try to do too much at once. And, don't take it too seriously, remember you're doing it for fun.

Have a go, make a difference.

 

[marinyork]

Bit of a deeply controversial first post. Welcome anyway

 

[craigwend]

Oscars Dad - fascinating thread (ON YACF) & other links (openstreetmap)

MArinyork - why Bit of a deeply controversial first post' ?