Can horses and riders use cyclepaths?

[Orchardbeck]

This may sound like a daft question, but how strict is the law on horse riders using cycle paths?

We have a new bypass being built next to us. It has a lovely cycle path running the length of it, actually hidden from the road itself. I suddenly got excited thinking I could now ride circular routes as the main roads cut us off before, as this path would now link those routes up; I just wouldn't like to get in to trouble for using it!

Does anyone else ride on cyclepaths?

 

[monkeybum13]

Technically no.

But, at my old yard we always used to ride along cycle paths, as did everybody else in the area and nobody ever said anything.

 

[Kat]

I would contact your bhs rights of way officer and get advice on petitioning the council to make this a bridleway.

 

[Mike007]

I would think that there is a strong argument in support of you being allowed. It is safer than being on the main carriageway (though you are allowed there)and you are not a motorised vehicle.No sane person is going to tell you to ride amongst the cars when there is a perfectly good cycle lane.

 

[phoebeast]

Generally no, they have to be declared as multi-user routes- one near me has changed back and forth for years. Ones that aren't multiuser are generally signed though.

 

[jinglejoys]

As usual everyone else can use bridlepaths but horses can't use anyone elses safe access

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

I'm sure car drivers would rather us get off the road and use the cycle path!

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

only when on bicycles!!!

 

[moana]

No, you are not allowed to take horses on cycle paths.

 

[Rose Folly]

Bit of a grey area, but generally speaking, no. Approach your Public Rights of Way Officer on the local council. The trouble is that walkers and pushchair pushers often use cycle paths (have no idea of whether THEY are meant to or not) but they raise merry hell overhorses using them (happened round here and riders lost out). So discriminatory, as cyclists, walkers, Old Uncle Tom Coble and all use the bridleways.

 

[Orchardbeck]

Thats kind of what I thought - I may plead ignorance and have a bit of a recce - see if anyone stops me!

I did consider contacting the BHS and see if something could be done - I wonder if they were involved any sort of consultation process. Obviously Sustrans were for the cyclepath - does anyone know if they work with the BHS on the rights of way projects? It is a shame if they don't as good routes all contribute to tourism.

 

[PeterNatt]

There should have been a public consultation followed by a public enquiry prior to the construction of the new by-pass. It is at this stage that local riders should ask for bridleway crossings and new routes. It is a lot more difficult to get them at a later stage.
Contact your local BHS bridleway officer as they will be only to pleased to help you.
If you require their contact details then let me know of the town and county and I will let you have their contact details.
You can E-mail me at peter.natt@btinternet.com

 

[Mike007]

Basicly a "cycle path segregated from the main highway is still a part of the highway but restricted to non motorised traffic. A horse has generaly got a right of way on the highway unless specificly prohibited. Until you see a no horses sign ,keep using the cycle path. When I was a kid,we used to get told off by the local police if we road on the road instead of the verge if there was room for a horse.