Cycling UK calls on Welsh Government to increase access to rights of way network

spen wrote:

There are far too many cyclists out there who show little or no consideration for other path users on the bridle and cycle network as it is without allowing access to the numerous much narrower footpath network

It's a common misconception that footpaths are narrow and bridleways are wide, but the criteria by which these RoWs were established had nothing whatsoever to do with width or what kind of trail exists on the ground. Many bridleways are narrow or barely traceable; many footpaths are wide and clear.
Widening access for bikes would ease pressure on unsuitable routes and allow cyclists to make better choices. There's every reason to think it will make things better for walkers, not worse.
Incidentally, though I ride in the Lakes far more than Wales, the overwhelming majority of walkers I meet are friendly and encouraging. I have had far more experiences of walkers holding gates open for us (even breaking into a run to do so!) than of any kind of conflict.
In many years mountain biking I recall only three experiences of walkers taking me to task for riding where I shouldn't. One was in Scotland (someone obviously hadn't studied the Scottish Access Code) and two in England. In both cases the person was insistent that I was riding on a  footpath. In both cases I was on a bridleway.

spen wrote:

There are far too many cyclists out there who show little or no consideration for other path users on the bridle and cycle network as it is without allowing access to the numerous much narrower footpath network.  Add to this the inevitable vandalism, last year my local council had to spend over £4000 replacing gates, stiles and steps ripped out by mountain bikers.  Most footpaths could only be used by little old ladies travelling at 5 mph, it would be utterly irresponsible to allow cyclists onto footpaths

Really Spen? There’s a Public Footpath by my house that’s 5 metres wide and tarmaced for its entire length, would it still be irresponsible to allow cyclists onto that path? I’m just a bit confused because on a day to day basis the postman drives along it, the milk lorry, the tractors, the hay wagon and the livestock trucks, and, perhaps remarkably, nobody died in the process... I’m confused as to how introducing bicycles might suddenly lead to disaster

don simon wrote:

I'll say it again, sort england out before telling the mighty Wales what to do! Too many visitors destroying the place already.

Wales needs tourism money more than most but this is about access for everyone - locals as well as visitors. CUK represents cyclists in Wales too, these are Welsh government proposals, and they claim there is "huge public support" for change to the RoW rules.

don simon wrote:

it would be useful if you put up your nationality before posting on this thread.

No-one should have to declare their nationality in order to participate a discussion. It's disappointing to find this small-minded perspective continues and the idea that if someone is not "one of us" (whatever constitutes "us") they can't have an opinion. Geraint is as Welsh as you but I'd bet real money that he doesn't share your attitude to the English. Alfie doesn't. Most Welsh people don't and it saddens me that this inward-looking idea still persists.

If Brexit goes ahead without a decent deal there is a real possibility that many upland farms could go bankrupt. That could trigger a land grab by big money (English / Saudi / Emirates / Chinese money?) and the inevitable loss of access to large tracts of the countryside. It would also adversely affect many rural economies, which are already struggling.

And I don't think it's a case of needing to change the rules one country before the other - I reckon being able to say "Scotland has done it. Wales has done it. It's your turn England" could be a great lever for change on the other side of the dyke.

antigee wrote:

should also be asking major landowners to just simply allow access by cyclists

Ha ha, dream on! It's major landowners and the "Gerroff moi land" mindset that are the main obstacle to any access and any change in the law. FC, utilities and so on are effectively privatised already, our national assets have been sold into private ownership/control at knockdown prices since the 1980s.

I'll say it again, sort england out before telling the mighty Wales what to do! Too many visitors destroying the place already.

 

Totally agree.  As a cyclist, MB'er, walker, dog walker, and driver, the lack of respect for other road, track and single track users shown by many cyclist who think they have divine rights is a indictement on the cycling community.  It is time cyclists understood that they share with others who have every right to use these resources, and that they are not the sole domain of cyclist.

Until this happens access should remain unchanged.