Bridleway controversy

 
The Byways and Bridleways Trust (BBT) is the latest organisation to voice its anger over what it sees as the insensitive impact on routes for horse riders and walkers by cyclists' interests, and in particular the National Cycle Network. The Trust's ire has recently been heightened by a late amendment submitted to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill that would have permitted traffic regulation orders to be used to exclude horses from bridleways that are, or might become, part of the National Cycle Network. Which organisation, it asks, promoted such a nasty and selfish amendment?

BET points out that bridleways are de facto routes for horses and walkers and that cyclists were only permitted to use them after negotiation by the CTC in 1968. For most of the time since then, cyclists, riders and walkers have got along reasonably well. But the recent influx of mountain bikes and the blacktopping of bridleways for cycle routes has been detrimental to rider enjoyment and horse health nd safety.

Countryside Minister Michaei Meacher has agreed that the banning of horses from bridleways is inappropriate and unjustified.