Network Operations
Greenway Roads for Access to the Countryside
What is a Greenlane?
There are many miles of ancient "unmade roads" in the Isle of Man. They are rights of way through the countryside, not just for pedestrians but also for other classes of traffic, such as 4 x 4's, motor cycles, mountain bikes and horses. These unmade roads are known as "greenlanes" but some of them are classified as "Greenway Roads" on which vehicles are restricted (see following paragraph). On greenlanes vehicle users should give way to pedestrians and horse riders, and beware that farm animals may be in the road at any time. Motorcyclists and other drivers are advised that road traffic law applies to all vehicles on greenlanes and that motor vehicles are prohibited from using footpaths.
What is a Greenway Road?
The surface and narrowness of some greenlanes renders them unsuitable for general use by road vehicles. These have been designated GREENWAY ROADS, to which a restriction of 500kg unladen weight applies for vehicles. For any other vehicles a permit is required unless, like agricultural vehicles, they are exempt.
Walking
Walkers are welcome to use all public rights of way footpaths on the Isle of Man. As well as Greenway Roads and the other greenlanes, there are 299 paths on the Island covering a total of 303km. The old paths and greenlanes are ancient highways, often ridgeways, connecting the towns and villages of the Island. These routes form the basis of the footpaths that exist today.
Cycling
Off road cyclists have a right of way on all greenlanes, including Greenway Roads but should be careful when passing pedestrians who also have a right of way. Care should also be taken where the surface is soft and uncompacted, or hard and rutted.
Footpaths are not rights of way for cyclists.
Horse Riding
Horse riders also have a right of way on all greenlanes (including Greenway Roads). Many greenlanes are considered particularly useful as ways for horse riders. Riders should proceed with special caution where the surface is soft and uncompacted, or hard and rutted.
Motorcycling
Motorcyclists have a right of way on greenlanes (including Greenway Roads), and on many of them a white "speed limit" notice advises motorcyclists not to exceed 20mph. The local Auto Cycle Union advise motorcyclists to ride gently over soft ground, and to slow down when passing walkers and horses (It may be best to stop your engine and let the horse pass you). Motorcycling is prohibited on footpaths.
Driving
Entrances to some greenlanes are signed "Unsuitable for Motors", but many other greenlanes may be suitable for four wheel drive vehicles. Their users have a right of way along with motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians and so are reminded that it is necessary to drive with great care and at slow speed. Vehicles exceeding 500kg unladen weight are not permitted to use those greenlanes which are Greenway Roads identified by the green traffic sign "GREENWAY ROAD - BAYR GLASS". Exemptions from this weight limit exist for vehicles being used in connection with agriculture, forestry or horticulture, carts drawn by draught animals, and vehicles issued with a "Greenways Permit". To apply for a permit contact Network Operations, Highways Division, Department of Transport, Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF.
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