One of the many lessons that Lockdown taught us as a family was that we can actually ride our MTBs directly from our front door – who knew that our local trails were quite so good? Well, admittedly they’re not properly ‘technical’ but they are off-road, good and muddy! However, there’s a key bit of land near us that is nigh on impossible to pass, for two reasons: firstly, there are 3 bridleways into this area but none are connected – meaning that you have to ride on footpaths to bridge the gap. Secondly, the footpath police are extremely knowledgeable and active in this area and are keen to challenge bike riders. And that’s a real problem for us! I bet you’ve got footpaths near you that are as wide as bridleways, have no stiles to cross and you wish were bridleways too.
So, here’s the answer! Cycling UK have put together a website which links a map for you to mark your favourite ‘would-be-bridleways’ with email addresses for the relevant County Councils to make them aware. You really need to do this on a computer because the map is quite fiddly but the whole thing is quite easy to use and only took me a couple of minutes to complete. Wouldn’t you just love to have more permissible bike routes to ride from home? I absolutely would. Take a look at the link now.
I cycle, walk and run, all three are great ways to enjoy the countryside. When I’m cycling, walkers & runners are usually considerate, and if the track is narrow they just single out for a few moments, or move closer to one side. That’s very much appreciated. Sometimes I stop, eg. if I’m coming to the end of a wider track, and walkers are towards the end of a narrow section. It’s give and take, and it usually produces a nod, smile, wave or even a nice comment. When I’m on foot, many cyclists slow down, and give me a good margin. But…. there is a significant number who fly past, too close, and without any kind of warning of their approach. These are the people on bikes that get us cyclists a bad reputation. What they do is dangerous, and very selfish. When motorists do the same to them, they don’t like it. So live and let live, just consider others, ad we can all be happy.
Today mountain bikes on footpaths, tomorrow electric mountain bikes. Then you could ask the question why not motorised vehicles and horses.
I think a footpath code should be produced. I should be the pedestrian that is allowed the right of way.
Responsible cyclist only.
As a cyclist and horse rider please can cyclists remember that horse riders have limited places to ride and horses can be very scared by fast moving, whizzing bikes and associated noises. Riding a horse on the road is becoming more dangerous all the time. Horse riders are short of safer places to go. We must all learn to respect each other, but please remember why such tracks are called ‘bridleways’.