Jersey’s Green Lanes Earn National Recognition as a Model for Safer Rural Travel

Jersey's pioneering Green Lanes network has received national recognition, with its approach to safer, shared rural roads now helping to shape transport policy across Britain.

Introduced in 1994, the Green Lanes initiative gives priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders over motorists on designated rural roads, where a 15mph (24km/h) speed limit is enforced. The scheme has long been regarded as a distinctive feature of the island's countryside, encouraging slower driving and safer travel for all road users.

The network has now been highlighted by Active Travel England, which has incorporated the principles behind Jersey's Green Lanes into its Rural Design Guide. The organisation said the approach supports tourism, benefits local economies and creates quieter, more attractive rural environments.

The Government of Jersey said the Green Lanes cover between 50 and 67 miles (80 to 108 kilometres) of roads across 10 of the island's 12 parishes. They were one of just 17 projects from across Britain selected for inclusion in the national guidance on designing safer walking and cycling routes.

Chairman of the Comité des Connétables, Constable Andy Jehan, welcomed the recognition, describing the Green Lanes as "a fantastic initiative" that the island should be proud of.

"It is quite exciting to see Jersey's Green Lanes recognised nationally as a successful model," he said.

Jehan added that use of the network has increased significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, with more people choosing to walk, cycle and enjoy the countryside. Work is also continuing to explore how the routes can be better linked between parishes, creating an even more connected network for residents and visitors alike.