New Guidance Video for cyclists on Bridleways

[PeterNatt]

Video urges Mountain bikers to ‘Stop, Stand Speak’

Respect: Share the Trail, a new video produced by Forestry Commission Wales in association with The British Horse Society, shows bikers how to help keep Wales’s forests safe by being more aware of horse riders sharing the popular paths: “Stop, Stand, Speak”.

The two-minute clip, filmed in Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian, near Aberystwyth, shows how trails can be made safer for all if consideration is given to horse riders.

Forestry Commission Wales Visitor Management Advisor, Dave Liddy, said: “As a responsible land manager, we want to raise the awareness of mountain bikers using our trails, but the message is just as applicable anywhere in the countryside. It’s been great to deal with the British Horse Society on this issue and sense the shared passion for the countryside that they have with mountain bikers.”

There are estimated to be around 90,000 horses in Wales and horse riding is permitted in most of the Forestry Commission’s woodlands. Also, both mountain bikers and horse riders are legally allowed to use public bridleways, byways and unclassified public roads in the wider countryside.

“The potential for conflict is obvious. The ‘Stop, Stand, Speak’ message really ought to be at the forefront of any bike rider’s mind,” said Dave.

BHS Director of Access Safety and Welfare, Mark Weston, said; “We were pleased to work with Forestry Commission Wales on this project which promotes cooperation between bikers and riders. Consideration on both sides will make everyone’s access to the forests safer and more enjoyable.”

The video can also be viewed at www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbwales, or on www.mbwales.com.


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Revised Countryside Code

Natural England is re-launching the Countryside Code - the refreshed version gives updated advice on rights of way, controlling dogs around livestock and wildlife, and preventing fires. The revised Countryside Code is online at http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/987819?category=38017

 

[flirtygerty]

To be honest, none of our horses have reacted to cyclist, probably because the riders don't, cyclists we have met show consideration to horses, perhaps we are just lucky

 

[Capriole]

Ive had the odd problem with cyclists coming up fast from behind that dont know what to do when passing a horse so think that going into stealth mode and creeping past is the best way
When Ive said its best to make a noise so the horse doesnt think its suddenly under attack theyve seemed cool with that

 

[Oriel]

I have a few problems with cyclists in our area. The most recent was when around 8 adult mountain bikers came round a corner downhill (on a bridleway) at breakneck speed. We were literally just feet from the corner and the first we knew of them was a spray of loose stones as they braked sharply. My horse took off like a rocket down the very steep track and I only managed to pull him up as we were entering a carpark at the bottom of the track.

The guys obviously saw what happened and when they got to the carpark I spoke to them (very courteously despite the circumstances!). They didn't want to know - one said they hadn't seen me... well, no they wouldn't have as they came round a blind bend at speed which was my point!. I was shaking with rage and fear... the other side of the carpark is a dual carriageway and it dawned on me what could have happened if I hadn't been able to pull my horse up

I wrote to the local cycling clubs asking them if they'd be willing to speak to their members to try and highlight the problem. One response I got was 'well the horses churn up the tracks in some of the areas and make them unusable for cyclists'..... What's that got to do with it? I could have been killed or have caused a pile-up on the dual carriageway! Not the response I'd hoped for but at least I got a response - the other clubs I wrote to didn't even bother to reply.

We're on the South Downs Way and we get a LOT of mountain bikers - I've had a few hairy moments over the years, but that was the worst in terms of the danger involved.

I did contact the local MP too but didn't really get anywhere.

 

[Clava]

The only time I got cross with cyclists (normally no issues at all) was when they over took us (4 horses) going fast downhill as we were just about to come level with some walkers so they had to squeeze between us and them on a car width path. I was concerned for the walkers safety and the possible crash that could have happened. One cyclist later asked us for directions as he had been left behind, I made it very clear to him (politely) my concerns and asked him to tell the others. A guidance code is a great idea.

 

[Blitzen]

I think its a great idea! Its nice too know there's some sort of campaign in the media (maybe not widespread, but its a start) regarding how to pass horses and riders. My horses are absolutely fine with cyclists as long as they say something. If we spot a cyclist approaching I always trill a cheery "mooorning!" or "hello!" at the top of my voice, so hopefully they'll reply and the ponies realise its not a monster sneaking up on them! Something that never fails to freak out my mare is an ignorant man who rides one of those bikes where the rider is almost laid down on their back, v low to the ground. The bike is bad enough, but the man who rides it is such a prick! We see him about once a week out hacking, and always say hello, he has never once replied or slowed down, and he continues to whizz past narrowly missing the horses ankles at top speed. Its a (well deserved!) kick in the head just waiting to happen!

 

[MissSBird]

I've had a few problems with cyclists approaching from behind, overtaking and passing so quietly it gives the horse a fright. I put this down to ignorance on the part of the cyclist rather than rude behaviour. So this is good in my opinion!

But I think it would be better used if it could be communicated to road cyclists. They're the quiet ones. Surely on a track a mountain bike is going to make noise on approach?

I do remember once, riding two abreast on a very quiet country road, a cyclist approached from behind in total silence and we missed his presense. Instead of shouting, he decided to wizz inbetween us (coming down a hill). Needless to say, we jumped as high as the horses!