Cyclists!!

[ester]

Well there is no need to hammer anywhere!

I regularly meet cyclists on our bridlepaths (and the BOATS/restricted byways) and really don't find it an issue, I cycle them too at times. If narrow we are all patient until we hit a spot where we can pass. Certainly no havoc!

 

[stilltrying]

Well there is no need to hammer anywhere!

I regularly meet cyclists on our bridlepaths (and the BOATS/restricted byways) and really don't find it an issue, I cycle them too at times. If narrow we are all patient until we hit a spot where we can pass. Certainly no havoc!

I am referring to a certain type of cyclist, that specialises in downhill. We slog up the hills, to come flying down. There is every need for it, as that is the fun bit! Thats the whole point. I'm not talking your leisurely stroll round the park, i'm talking proper mountain biking. I had assumed from OP's comments ref the speed, that these guys are the thrill seeking downhill fans. So what i'm saying is, with my horse riding head on, i'd much rather these guys went off and rode on steep footpaths, and didn't use bridle paths. My horse is spooky, last thing i want is a cyclist flying round a bend towards me, much rather they be on a footpath. And yes bikes can stop quickly, and if you brake hard, no you wont go over the handlebars as i think someone said.

 

[ester]

Yes I am used to coming across those on the quantocks too - though they often cheat and chuck them in a trailer and get them driven back to the top... but if you are using a footpath or a bridlepath surely you expect an obstruction relatively frequently? - granted I do find the call of 'ohh shh horse' somewhat amusing as they shouldn't really be surprised - what about the people on the steep footpaths, are they less worthy than someone on a horse?

Alternatively we have a 'bike park' set up here where people can downhill as much as they like without risking anyone else. I take my horse to dedicated sites to do certain activities, I don't think it is a huge leap to expect cyclists to do the same.
http://www.worldbikeparks.com/tidworth-freeride

 

[EQUIDAE]

EUIDAE - i dont cause a mud bath on a bike, i'm not that heavy! ;@ When i say i tresspass onto footpaths that is on my bike, not my horse, cannot life horse over a stile.

But you are setting precedent and before long it becomes a free for all and the land gets ruined. I cannot believe that you are so brazen about it. I am absolutely disgusted with your attitude!

I am referring to a certain type of cyclist, that specialises in downhill. We slog up the hills, to come flying down. There is every need for it, as that is the fun bit! Thats the whole point..

And THAT is what destroys the land!

YOU are the type of cyclists that gives all the other a bad name! If you want a bit of fun - go somewhere designed for it!

 

[ester]

and yes, If everyone was riding on the footpaths with treaded tyres then it would in many places create a mudbath. . . heavy use by any means of transport = wear and bikes and horses generate much more wear than people on foot.

 

[JFTDWS]

Well the cyclists are coming out of this thread well, aren't they :eek3:

If you want to do a sport which, when performed on a public right of way, is a danger to other users (to whom you are expected by law to give way to), you should be participating in that sport in a safe, private environment where you will not be a menace to society.

If you want to act like a considerate user of PROWs - whether as a driver, cyclist, rider or walker - you stick to the tracks you're allowed on and you behave in a manner which will not endanger other users - even if that spoils your fun.

I can't count the number of hacks I've had interrupted by having to slow down and pull over for other horses / cyclists / pedestrians. If I wanted an uninterrupted gallop, guaranteed, I would hire out the local gallops.

 

[stilltrying]

Yes I am used to coming across those on the quantocks too - though they often cheat and chuck them in a trailer and get them driven back to the top... but if you are using a footpath or a bridlepath surely you expect an obstruction relatively frequently? - granted I do find the call of 'ohh shh horse' somewhat amusing as they shouldn't really be surprised - what about the people on the steep footpaths, are they less worthy than someone on a horse?

Alternatively we have a 'bike park' set up here where people can downhill as much as they like without risking anyone else. I take my horse to dedicated sites to do certain activities, I don't think it is a huge leap to expect cyclists to do the same.
http://www.worldbikeparks.com/tidworth-freeride

The paths we use for cycling are too steep to walk up, if i whimp out and get off i have to slide down on my backside. You wouldn't go up (or down) on foot. I'd gladly go to a designated bike park - have been to the one in afan forest in south wales, but i'm in Kent on the south coast so for the day to day riding we have to make the most of what we have.

 

[stilltrying]

But you are setting precedent and before long it becomes a free for all and the land gets ruined. I cannot believe that you are so brazen about it. I am absolutely disgusted with your attitude!



And THAT is what destroys the land!

YOU are the type of cyclists that gives all the other a bad name! If you want a bit of fun - go somewhere designed for it![/QUOTI

Go somewhere designed for it? My mountain bike was designed to ride natural terrain...ok they aren't quite mountains but that is exactly what i'm doing! Sadly there is no bike park where i am, but anyway, part of the enjoyment is riding up and down the hills. I think that is a bit harsh, given that you dont know the area i'm talking about. The land is mod/network rail i think, it isn't private, and hardly anyone except cyclists use it. MTB's dont chunk up the ground i'm afraid, horses do and motocross make a right mess. I am sorry for disgusting you but I thought some fellow horse riders my share my view that all public paths should be open to all - horse / bike / walker. Clearly i'm on my tod!

 

[Lizzie66]

The paths we use for cycling are too steep to walk up, if i whimp out and get off i have to slide down on my backside. You wouldn't go up (or down) on foot. I'd gladly go to a designated bike park - have been to the one in afan forest in south wales, but i'm in Kent on the south coast so for the day to day riding we have to make the most of what we have.

You are really not coming out of this well. If you can bike up it or down it then you can walk up it or down it (especially as you have already acknowledged that its a footpath you are trespassing on)

You are making the most of something you don't have. You don't have the right to go where you like at what speed you like on this land. To be honest words fail me.

 

[stilltrying]

You are really not coming out of this well. If you can bike up it or down it then you can walk up it or down it (especially as you have already acknowledged that its a footpath you are trespassing on)

You are making the most of something you don't have. You don't have the right to go where you like at what speed you like on this land. To be honest words fail me.

Its fine i'm a big girl i can take it on the chin. I've probably not explained myself terribly well. We ride on some foothpaths, to access the hills. Old deserted railway lines, that is where most of the walkers are. Its beautiful. Then we cycle up on tarmac and go onto footpaths. Walkers tend to stick to the gentler paths, some of them are ridic steep and yes would struggle to walk up them. Seeing as everyone now thinks i'm big ole see u next tues i'll not mention bikes again and stick to horses ! : )

 

[JFTDWS]

I'm loving the idea of tracks so steep you can't walk up them but you can cycle...

Yea... Right...

 

[criso]

The land is mod/network rail i think, it isn't private, and hardly anyone except cyclists use it.

That I think is a slightly unusual situation and there is a big difference between riding somewhere where really specific local conditions mean you won't affect anyone and advocating everyone should go where they like.


The situation in the OP query with houses opening onto the track is not the same as the situation you describe and clearly not appropriate for high speed and the fact that these particular cyclists can't see the difference between somewhere that is safe to go at speed and somewhere where it's not appropriate is why some paths are restricted.

The reality of most people's experience is a limited number of ROWs with differing levels of access. Apart from the footpaths they are shared by cyclists, horseriders, walkers, wheelchairs and families out for a walk with dogs, buggies and toddlers toddling and in the case of BOATS cars, motorbikes and the occasional carriage.

They can be pretty busy especially at a weekend if the weather is nice and much as I would like to gallop at top speed in my favourite spots scattering pedestrians in all directions in a shower of mud I don't.

 

[stilltrying]

I'm loving the idea of tracks so steep you can't walk up them but you can cycle...

Yea... Right...

Have a google, you might surprise yourself! Check out redbull rampage. OK I'm an NOWHERE near that good, but bikes can get down stuff you can can't on foot. Honestly!

 

[stilltrying]

That I think is a slightly unusual situation and there is a big difference between riding somewhere where really specific local conditions mean you won't affect anyone and advocating everyone should go where they like.


The situation in the OP query with houses opening onto the track is not the same as the situation you describe and clearly not appropriate for high speed and the fact that these particular cyclists can't see the difference between somewhere that is safe to go at speed and somewhere where it's not appropriate is why some paths are restricted.

The reality of most people's experience is a limited number of ROWs with differing levels of access. Apart from the footpaths they are shared by cyclists, horseriders, walkers, wheelchairs and families out for a walk with dogs, buggies and toddlers toddling and in the case of BOATS cars, motorbikes and the occasional carriage.

They can be pretty busy especially at a weekend if the weather is nice and much as I would like to gallop at top speed in my favourite spots scattering pedestrians in all directions in a shower of mud I don't.

Yes i accept that, i was just speaking from my experience and agreed it prob isn't same as OP situ. I appear to have offended everyone with my weekend antics!

 

[ester]

Have a google, you might surprise yourself! Check out redbull rampage. OK I'm an NOWHERE near that good, but bikes can get down stuff you can can't on foot. Honestly!

I thought we were going up . I am sure some people could, the same as not all cyclists could/would either. Though I do think you have a particularly specific situation that isn't really relevant to the OP's issue which is a footpath used by walkers.

I'm also not sure that because you choose somewhere to live where there aren't many permitted rights of way for cyclists or a dedicated park/area for you to partake in this activity that it means you can just pick where you wish.

 

[stilltrying]

I thought we were going up . I am sure some people could, the same as not all cyclists could/would either. Though I do think you have a particularly specific situation that isn't really relevant to the OP's issue which is a footpath used by walkers.

I'm also not sure that because you choose somewhere to live where there aren't many permitted rights of way for cyclists or a dedicated park/area for you to partake in this activity that it means you can just pick where you wish.

Lol, no, i go up very slowly (preferably on tarmac!), and come down fair bit quicker! Yes agreed my situ is different and whilst i may have offended everyone the LAST thing i wanted to do is give cyclists a bad name, when in fact i was trying to do the opposite.

 

[Tiddlypom]

And yes bikes can stop quickly, and if you brake hard, no you wont go over the handlebars as i think someone said.

Oh yes, bikes are renowned for being capable of stopping quickly when hammering downhill on an unmade surface ... not.

Also, mountain bike tyres DO cause erosion of soft tracks.

 

[EQUIDAE]

But you are setting precedent and before long it becomes a free for all and the land gets ruined. I cannot believe that you are so brazen about it. I am absolutely disgusted with your attitude!



And THAT is what destroys the land!

YOU are the type of cyclists that gives all the other a bad name! If you want a bit of fun - go somewhere designed for it![/QUOTI

Go somewhere designed for it? My mountain bike was designed to ride natural terrain...ok they aren't quite mountains but that is exactly what i'm doing! Sadly there is no bike park where i am, but anyway, part of the enjoyment is riding up and down the hills. I think that is a bit harsh, given that you dont know the area i'm talking about. The land is mod/network rail i think, it isn't private, and hardly anyone except cyclists use it. MTB's dont chunk up the ground i'm afraid, horses do and motocross make a right mess. I am sorry for disgusting you but I thought some fellow horse riders my share my view that all public paths should be open to all - horse / bike / walker. Clearly i'm on my tod!

FFS - you're on your tod because YOU are breaking the rules. Seems everyone else is a good polite citizen... They are foot paths, not cycle paths and it is not your god given right to go on them - the highway code specifically forbids it. You cannot justify it... Shame it spoils your fun is not justification. And no it isn't harsh - public paths should not be open to all as they are not fit for that purpose. That is what bridlepaths (and cycle paths) are for.

 

[stilltrying]

FFS - you're on your tod because YOU are breaking the rules. Seems everyone else is a good polite citizen... They are foot paths, not cycle paths and it is not your god given right to go on them - the highway code specifically forbids it. You cannot justify it... Shame it spoils your fun is not justification. And no it isn't harsh - public paths should not be open to all as they are not fit for that purpose. That is what bridlepaths (and cycle paths) are for.

Well if my only sin in life is to ride a push bike on a footpath i can live with myself. : )

 

[EQUIDAE]

Well if my only sin in life is to ride a push bike on a footpath i can live with myself. : )

And cyclists wonder why people are antagonised by them - what a bad, bad attitude. You do yourself, nor your peers, any favours.

 

[stilltrying]

And cyclists wonder why people are antagonised by them - what a bad, bad attitude. You do yourself, nor your peers, any favours.

As said before, there are no bridle paths! I live in the countryside but there are no bridle paths. I dont understand it. All the walkers i've met have been lovely, especially the ramblers with their maps. The only agro i've ever had whilst on the bike was for riding on a cycle path. Work that one out!

 

[ester]

I also used to live in an area with no bridle paths, it meant we had to ride on the road rather than just make our own...

I really don't see how that is an argument for using footpaths instead.

 

[EQUIDAE]

I also used to live in an area with no bridle paths, it meant we had to ride on the road rather than just make our own...

I really don't see how that is an argument for using footpaths instead.

This is how I am totally flabergasted too - total disregard for the country code and can't understand why anyone would have an issue. Beggars belief...

 

[teapot]

. The land is mod/network rail i think, it isn't private, and hardly anyone except cyclists use it.

Errr MOD or Network rail land is private! They may be Government based but it's still private, and especially for MOD land, there's good reason for a lot of it being closed access.

The MOD is having major issues with people misusing Salisbury Plain at the moment, straying off from the very select paths that are open to the public, cars being parked in much needed access points etc etc. Also, whilst you may think it's unused natural terrain, some MOD land remains as some of the most bio-diverse land in the country, because it is NOT open access. Using it when you shouldn't be will only cause damage. Think about what's under your feet, wheels or hooves.

 

[charterline]

Wouldn't be so pleased if they ran over a land mine or barbed wire on their bike. Or got a whacking great fine for trespassing on network rail land...

 

[planete]

I treat cyclists as potential lobotomy cases around the New Forest as even the nicest people seem to leave their brains at home when they get on a bike! I am sorry, STT, but your posts just make you sound selfish and ignorant. Most people understand the need to care for the countryside by not damaging fragile areas (soft surface footpaths) or disrupting breeding birds and other wildlife (MOD land). You seem to think your enjoyment is more important than the people and land around you. And most people are well aware that flouting laws is illegal but delinquents do not care. Please take a moment to reflect on why we are outraged by your posts. Not one of us would gallop on a footpath because there are no bridleways near us.

 

[willhegofirst]

Regarding the effect that mountain bikes can have on tracks, the wood I ride in is a national cycle trail area, they run competitions etc. the friend I ride with has lived in the area all her life, let's say she is a more mature lady who has ridden in in the woods for well over thirty years, she says the tracks have been ruined since the bikes have been using them, most have no grass left on them and lots are eroded to point they are very very stoney, large stones not small ones.

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes I am used to coming across those on the quantocks too - though they often cheat and chuck them in a trailer and get them driven back to the top... but if you are using a footpath or a bridlepath surely you expect an obstruction relatively frequently? - granted I do find the call of 'ohh shh horse' somewhat amusing as they shouldn't really be surprised - what about the people on the steep footpaths, are they less worthy than someone on a horse?

Alternatively we have a 'bike park' set up here where people can downhill as much as they like without risking anyone else. I take my horse to dedicated sites to do certain activities, I don't think it is a huge leap to expect cyclists to do the same.
http://www.worldbikeparks.com/tidworth-freeride

I have had several run ins with mountain bikers in out local forestry commission woods .
In these woods there are the usual hard tracks and lots of narrow ones through the trees over recent years they have been 'improved ' by the mountain bikers .
Ramps , banks, stone bits .
I refuse to be stopped from riding tracks I have ridden for 25 years by this my hunters can cope with scrambling over there obstacles in fact it's good for them but boy do some of the cyclists hate meeting a couple of horses on a narrow track .
Sharing appears to a concept alien to them .

 

[Goldenstar]

Oh yes, bikes are renowned for being capable of stopping quickly when hammering downhill on an unmade surface ... not.

Also, mountain bike tyres DO cause erosion of soft tracks.

They certainly do there's a historic bridleway near here ( it's sand ) that has been ruined by bikes .

 

[EQUIDAE]

Errr MOD or Network rail land is private! They may be Government based but it's still private, and especially for MOD land, there's good reason for a lot of it being closed access.

Why did you quote me? It wasn't me who said that...