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Call for public to back Welsh proposals to increase cycling accessCC licensed by Stewart Black via Flickr.jpg

Call for public to back Welsh proposals to increase cycling access

Trails for Wales campaign would see far more of the rights of way network opened to cyclists
by Alex Bowden
Sat, Aug 26, 2017 16:22
11

Cycling UK and OpenMTB have this week backed Welsh Government proposals to open up most footpaths in Wales to cycling and horse riding and are calling on the public to show their support via the Trails for Wales campaign.

At present, cyclists are only legally entitled to use 21 per cent of the rights of way network in Wales.

In a joint response to the 2015 consultation ‘Improving opportunities to access the outdoors for responsible recreation’, Cycling UK and OpenMTB called for increased access and an outdoor access code to ensure responsible behaviour from all users.

The consultation received 5,796 responses, with over 4,000 backing the Trails for Wales campaign.

The Welsh Government’s more recent consultation, "Taking forward Wales’ sustainable management of natural resources”, now proposes legislative changes to allow cycling and horse riding on footpaths where suitable.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s Head of Advocacy and Campaigns, said: “The Welsh Government is rightly looking for opportunities to manage its wide range of wonderful natural resources, recognising in their consultation the uncertainties that may come with Brexit. These proposals will help more people enjoy the outdoors, while also benefiting the rural economy – their forward thinking is on the way to making history.

“Wales is a world class destination for cycling in all its forms, whether you’re looking for a gentle family wander or heading to one of the many trail centres for an off-road adventure. Opening up suitable footpaths to more cycling will only increase the appeal for more people to come and visit Wales for a great cycling experience.

“The Welsh Government wants cyclists’ input, wherever they live – not just Wales. We had a fantastic response rate for our campaign Trails for Wales in 2015, so if you support greater opportunities to cycle off-road then head to Trails for Wales.”

Stace King, OpenMTB spokesperson said: “It is fantastic to see the Welsh Government respond so positively to the Trails for Wales campaign, producing a genuinely forward-looking set of proposals.

“The current access system in England and Wales simply does not work, but real change is within reach in Wales and we strongly encourage riders to help us and Cycling UK secure better access now and for future generations.”

Wales
cycling uk
OpenMTB
rights of way
Trails for Wales
Alex Bowden

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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11 comments

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rogermerriman | 7 years ago
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guess depends on where you are, where I grew up and folks still live, Breacon Beacons it's more that various rights of way, have become overgrown to the point of unpassable, since people dont use them. ie at least in some parts people arent using what they have.

Avatar
Johnnystorm replied to rogermerriman | 7 years ago
0 likes
rogermerriman wrote:

guess depends on where you are, where I grew up and folks still live, Breacon Beacons it's more that various rights of way, have become overgrown to the point of unpassable, since people dont use them. ie at least in some parts people arent using what they have.

Yep. I've ridden a few bridleways in mid-wales that are marked on the map and have rusted barbed wire fences across them so can't have been used in 20 odd years! That isn't to say that some nore popular footpaths shouldnt be opened up.

Avatar
spen replied to Johnnystorm | 7 years ago
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Johnnystorm wrote:
rogermerriman wrote:

guess depends on where you are, where I grew up and folks still live, Breacon Beacons it's more that various rights of way, have become overgrown to the point of unpassable, since people dont use them. ie at least in some parts people arent using what they have.

Yep. I've ridden a few bridleways in mid-wales that are marked on the map and have rusted barbed wire fences across them so can't have been used in 20 odd years! That isn't to say that some nore popular footpaths shouldnt be opened up.

 

OS maps do have a disclaimer to the effect that they may be incorrect or out of date so just because a path is shown doesn't always means it exists.

Avatar
rogermerriman replied to spen | 7 years ago
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spen wrote:

Johnnystorm wrote:
rogermerriman wrote:

guess depends on where you are, where I grew up and folks still live, Breacon Beacons it's more that various rights of way, have become overgrown to the point of unpassable, since people dont use them. ie at least in some parts people arent using what they have.

Yep. I've ridden a few bridleways in mid-wales that are marked on the map and have rusted barbed wire fences across them so can't have been used in 20 odd years! That isn't to say that some nore popular footpaths shouldnt be opened up.

 

OS maps do have a disclaimer to the effect that they may be incorrect or out of date so just because a path is shown doesn't always means it exists.

 

These exist but as the years have gone, trees etc have come down etc, plus due to lack of foot/cycle fall bushes have grown or spread over the track to the point in a few cases of blocking access.

Avatar
Sniffer | 7 years ago
0 likes

Just copy the Scottish Right to Roam.  Works well.

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Initialised replied to Sniffer | 7 years ago
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Sniffer wrote:

Just copy the Scottish Right to Roam.  Works well.

And apply it UK wide. What makes no sense is that there are 3m wide 'footpaths' and 50cm wide 'bridleways'. Has anyone on here been fined (outside a town centre) for riding in a 'footpath'?

Avatar
Initialised replied to Sniffer | 7 years ago
0 likes
Sniffer wrote:

Just copy the Scottish Right to Roam.  Works well.

And apply it UK wide. It's embarrassing when you have signs explaining English Access Laws on the border up near Windy Gyle. What makes no sense is that there are 3m wide 'footpaths' and 50cm wide 'bridleways'. Has anyone on here been fined (outside a town centre) for riding in a 'footpath'?

Avatar
bendertherobot replied to Initialised | 7 years ago
0 likes

Initialised wrote:
Sniffer wrote:

Just copy the Scottish Right to Roam.  Works well.

And apply it UK wide. It's embarrassing when you have signs explaining English Access Laws on the border up near Windy Gyle. What makes no sense is that there are 3m wide 'footpaths' and 50cm wide 'bridleways'. Has anyone on here been fined (outside a town centre) for riding in a 'footpath'?

This is a devolved area. Only the Welsh Assemby can legislate here, UK wide requires the UK Government to legislate in relation to England and, at the moment, God only knows who in relation to NI

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ktache | 7 years ago
1 like

I'm thinking, for england, maybe an act of mass trespass to get the point across.  The ramblers surely could not object to that.

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Jitensha Oni replied to ktache | 7 years ago
0 likes

ktache wrote:

The ramblers surely could not object to that.

 

(great comment, KT!)

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don simon fbpe | 7 years ago
0 likes

Superb idea, but let's just keep it open for those Welsh Welshies.

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