Ways Through the Countryside

INFORMATION SHEET FF27 The National Cycle Network and Public Rights of Way

quality cycle routes throughout the traffic, and installing additional safe INTRODUCTION . The aim of these crossings on busier roads. The traffic- routes is to create an environment free sections comprise a mixture of This information sheet addresses the where cycling is a safe and viable different types of route as set out in limited number of situations where, option. It will give everybody the Information Sheet FF04 the only viable option is to direct opportunity to take to their bikes in Shared Use Routes (1). the National Cycle Network along the confidence that there is a safe an existing public footpath or route to school, to work or for leisure. There have been many opportunities bridleway. These routes offer a serious to create entirely new sections of alternative to using the car with its route which are of major benefit to It does not cover issues relating to associated damage to the environment walkers, wheelchair users and often to public bridleways that are not on the and the countryside. horse riders as well. All of these National Cycle Network. It considers groups, together with cyclists, have the physical treatment needed to The National Cycle Network is a lost ground in recent decades because make the finished path suitable for demonstration project that sets out to of the increasing volume and speed of regular use by bicycles, while not be useable by cyclists of any ability motorised traffic on roads in the destroying its appeal to existing and on any bicycle whatever the countryside. legitimate users such as walkers and conditions. It will complement and horse-riders. At the same time the catalyse the many developing local There are locations where existing needs of disabled people are taken and regional cycle networks. There is footpaths or bridleways have been into account in accordance with already evidence that, given a safe incorporated as part of the National Sustrans policy, set out in two choice, people will cycle for some of Cycle Network after consultation. information sheets: Shared Use Routes the journeys which were previously Such proposals have implications for (FF04)1 and Disabled People and the car-borne. walkers and horse riders who have an National Cycle Network (FF05)2. existing legal right to use the way in Sustrans, with 20 years of practical question. These have only been The convenience of all users, especially civil engineering experience in selected when there are no other those using wheelchairs and special building traffic-free routes, is suitable traffic-free alternatives and wheelchair-bicycle combinations, is co-ordinating the development of the all feasible and safe on-road options considered in connection with the National Cycle Network. These traffic- have been exhausted. removal of access barriers as described free sections support environmentally in Sustrans’ information sheets: sustainable forms of transport and are Removing Barriers on the National for use by walkers, by cyclists, by Cycle Network (FF09)7 and Access wheelchair users and, often, by horse- Controls (FF22)3. Guidance on the legal riders. aspects of rights of way has been published by the Ramblers’ Association How will the National Cycle (4) and on surfacing widths and gates Network affect footpaths and appropriate to equestrian use by the bridleways? British Horse Society (5,6). Issues of security on paths are discussed in a Two thirds of the Network will be on separate Sustrans information sheet quiet minor rural roads and traffic- (8). calmed roads through towns. The remainder will be on routes generally NATIONAL CYCLE free from motor traffic. Where the Network uses roads, various measures NETWORK to calm traffic and enhance safety are being introduced which are of The National Cycle Network is a significant benefit to walkers, horse Millennium Project to develop a riders and cyclists alike. These include network of 10,000 miles of high reducing the speed and volume of People of all ages use and enjoy traffic-free paths for walking and cycling. (Cossington Bawdrip in Somerse describes the type of facility created, • Divide the footpath in half PUBLIC FOOTPATHS for use by pedestrians, cyclists and longitudinally, where width permits, wheelchair users. and use the Cycle Tracks Act to Unsurfaced rural footpaths will make convert one half to a cycle track up approximately 1%, or 80 miles More problematic is the fact that while the remainder stays as a nationwide, of the total Network, and conversion to a cycle track will mean footpath. This will rarely be possible a further 2% will be on surfaced following a legal procedure which may because footpaths will generally be routes with footpath status. Public result in the removal of a footpath too narrow. footpaths are defined as highways from the definitive rights of way map. over which there is a right of way by In due course this means that the path • Convert the footpath to a public foot and with an invalid carriage only, may not be depicted on Ordnance bridleway (the preferred method so cycling is not allowed by right on Survey maps as the Ordnance Survey subject to width), which will still footpaths. In many instances a obtains information about the require a legal procedure, but which permissive agreement may be sought existence of public rights of way from would extend the rights of access to from the landowner to allow cycle definitive maps. This is an horse riders, and which would access. Such agreements do not unacceptable anomaly and Sustrans maintain the right of way on the change the legal status of the public supports the need to change the law definitive map. This is only really footpath and consultation should take and record all such cycle tracks on possible if the path is wide enough, place beforehand with interested definitive maps. There is currently an or could be widened, as shared use parties. If the footpath is to be agreement with Ordnance Survey with horses can render a narrow converted to a cycle track, the Cycle whereby Sustrans, after consultation path impassable to walkers and Tracks Act 1984 must be used by the with Local Authorities and the CTC cyclists. local highway authority. Any (Cyclists Touring Clu)b, gathers conversion of a path over agricultural information on all traffic-free cycle Careful examination of each local land requires the consent of the paths or National Cycle Network situation is necessary. Consultation landowner. routes and passes it on to Ordnance and site meetings with landowners, Survey for inclusion on their 1:50,000 the local authority and others, such as There are two anomalies in the Act, Landranger series maps. the Ramblers Association and groups one “perceptual”, the other technical. representing those with disabilities, to The term cycle track sounds to some In the meantime there are three examine the options and to discuss like the creation of a “race track” with possible ways around this: problems should ensure that the issues the exclusion of pedestrians. This is can be understood by everyone and not the case. The Act is normally used • Create a new permissive path for agreement can be reached. to convert a footpath into a cycle cyclists parallel to the footpath (this track over which pedestrians have a may require a dividing strip) thereby The choice of surfacing for each path right of way. However, Sustrans prefers retaining the footpath and avoiding should be made in the context of the to use the term shared use (or multi- using the Cycle Tracks Act local area and its use. An urban use) path, as this more accurately altogether. footpath may already be tarmacked, so widening with tarmac would be appropriate. In a rural area, in some instances, we would seek to use a hard wearing stone dust surface although Sustrans’ preference is for sealed surfaces as the long term maintenance costs are much reduced. Surface dressing with locally sourced stone chippings ensures that the path will quickly blend in with the surroundings. These well-drained, hard surfaces also have benefits for less hardy walkers, those with buggies and wheelchair users.

River Blackcart Path near . conditions, and Sustrans can PUBLIC legitimately allocate Millennium BRIDLEWAYS Commission funds towards this goal. However, this should not preclude the Public bridleways are defined in use of bridleways by any one group, statute as highways over which there when alterations to suit another group is a right of way on foot, on horseback are carried out. or leading a horse, with an invalid carriage or on a bicycle. Under the Our preferred way of achieving use for Countryside Act 1968 (section 30) all is to have a bridleway at least 4 bicyclists (but not unicyclists or metres, but preferably 5 metres, wide. Cuckoo in Hailsham. Parallel cycle and This would be surfaced to create two tricyclists) have a right to use horsepaths. paths, each a minimum of 2 metres bridleways provided they give way to Much of what follows applies just as walkers and horse riders. wide, with a sealed surface for cyclists, much to those permissive paths as to wheelchairs, buggy pushers, young public bridleways. Bridleways will make up approximately children and less hardy walkers, and an equally wide engineered grass surface 140 miles (1.5%) nationwide (of which Bridleways are sometimes rendered half were previously surfaced), of the for horses and more experienced impassable for pedestrians, cyclists and ramblers (see boxes 1 and 2). whole Network. In total, there are horse riders by the movement of farm about 18,000 miles of bridleway in vehicles and livestock, by forestry alone. In addition there are The decision on the actual surface operations, by poor drainage or by should be based on local other non-statutory permissive paths lack of maintenance. where agreement for access by horse circumstances, expected use and riders, cyclists and walkers has been treatments already in use locally. It Without proper management of the should be noted that maintenance of reached with the landowner. To date, path, horses can also severely damage through the creation of the National bridleways should not result in a less surfaces, making cycling and walking commodious facility for any of the Cycle Network, over 90 miles of new difficult. permissive paths for horseriders, legitimate users. Legal truncation of the bridleway width may be necessary walkers and cyclists have already been All legitimate users should be able to created. but bridleways often have a defined use National Cycle Network routes width in the definitive map statement comfortably in any weather so legal procedures must be followed if the width is to be reduced. The Good Cycling Code

General Be careful at junctions, bends and Keep your bike roadworthy. entrances. Remember that many Pavements are for pedestrians - don’t Be courteous! people are hard of hearing or visually cycle on them except where impaired. Don’t assume they can see designated. Always cycle with respect for others, or hear you. whether other cyclists, pedestrians, Use the bell - not all pedestrians can people in wheelchairs, horse-riders or Carry a bell and use it. see you. drivers and acknowledge those who Don’t surprise people. give way to you. Where there are wheelchair users and In Country Areas horse-riders, please give away. Shared Use Follow the Country Code. On Roads Give way to pedestrians, leaving them Respect other land management plenty of room. Always follow the Highway Code. activities such as farming or forestry and take litter home. Keep to your side of any dividing line. Be seen - most accidents to cyclists Be prepared to slow down or stop if happen at junctions. Cycle within your capabilities. necessary. Fit and use lights in poor visibility. Match your speed to the surface and Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds. your skills. Consider wearing a helmet and conspicuous clothing. Where a surface has to be shared Where a bridleway is proposed to be Sustrans has a policy of removing as because of width restrictions (less than incorporated in the National Cycle many barriers as possible on existing 4 metres), a fibre reinforced surface Network, it must be signed as such to paths. It is often found that, as a dressing should be used. The use of remind cyclists of their legal route becomes more popular, the very this sort of surface has been agreed requirement to give way to horses. The presence of increasing numbers of with the British Horse Society (BHS) British Horse Society should be people means that it becomes self- where no alternative grass surface is consulted in advance where any such policing and barriers can be removed possible. Where gradients are involved incorporation is planned. or by-passed as the threat of illegal consideration needs to be given to the use diminishes. adhesion qualities and to whether any If there are proposals to surface special treatment is required. Whilst existing grass verges beside roads, Where barriers against livestock are dust surfaced paths, shared with consideration must be given to required, Sustrans prefers to use cattle horses, have proved very satisfactory existing or future use by horse-riders. grids with an overall width of 1.2 in some locations, they can deteriorate Where this is expected, sufficient metres. These should be located as far rapidly and a poor surface, badly space should be left for the movement as possible from bridle gates, with the maintained, is known to discourage of horses, and they should not be catch at the end away from the grid, pedestrians and cyclists. This squeezed onto a narrow verge and have wing fences on either side to deterioration may be localised because between the traffic and a cycle/ prevent horses stepping into them by of overhanging trees or it may be walking surface, but should be on the accident. They should also be fitted down to the indifferent quality of hedge side of the cycle path. with proper drainage and ramps to local materials. It makes no allow any trapped small animals to environmental sense to transport good ACCESS CONTROLS escape. Cattle grids are not allowed on quality stone dust over large distances. existing footpaths and bridleways, but may be located on adjacent private Access controls may be needed to stop In all cases, stone paths need more land. Bridle gates should be positioned unwanted motorised traffic and regular maintenance than a harder so that there is sufficient manoeuvring Sustrans promotes the use of bollards sealed surface. Sustrans prefers sealed space to enable a rider to open the rather than barriers as the preferred surfaces in order to reduce further gate from the saddle and this should method. Bollards, which can consist of maintenance costs, especially where be further facilitated by providing a conventional bollards, boulders or the same path is shared by all user well hung gate with a safety hook- similar solid obstructions, provide the groups, but appreciates that this is not and-eye catch on the top bar. least difficulty for wheelchair users, equally commodious to all users. Overhanging branches may need to be horse riders and all types of cyclists trimmed. Where possible, when bridle (eg those using disabled cycles, Where a field edge bridleway or gates are fitted, mounting blocks recumbents, tandems, tricycles and footpath is engineered for use within should be provided. trailers). the National Cycle Network, a hedge or fencing may be required along each side, converting it into a lane separate from agricultural fields. This should protect the route from encroachment by agricultural vehicles, prevents path users from straying off the route and result in less need for maintenance. Hedges will need regular maintenance and fences should not contain barbed wire.

It is acknowledged that certain surfaces are not the preferred choice of all of users and compromises will have to be reached. A tarmac surface will preclude horses from anything but walking, whilst a stone/dust surface may be damaged by trotting or cantering horses making it difficult for wheeled users, especially wheelchairs. Alternatively a wood-chip surface would be unsuitable for cyclists. Horse stile on the path along the line of the old Canal Box 1 Shared Cycle Track/Footpath with Separate Bridlepath 0.5m Cycle path/ Verge 1.0m min Bridlepath 1.0m clearance footpath 2.0m (see Note 1) 2.0min, 2,5m clearance min, 2.5m preferred preferred preferred (See Note 2)

Sealed surface “Soft” grassed gravel surface

Note: 1. Central verge should be omitted if minimum width cannot be achieved. 2. The bridlepath should be at least as wide as the cycle path. Shared Cycle Track/Footpath and Bridlepath 1.0m 1.0m clearance clearance preferred 3 metres min preferred

Sealed surface Fence or boundary

Engineered grass surface for horses Box 2 Grassed gravel (from BHS specification seeded at the rate of 30gms/m2 or For best results the grass should be on surfacing). This is a Swiss technique 300kg/ha with British Seed Houses mix allowed to mature before a new route and has rarely been used in Britain. If A14 as follows: is opened to the public. If this necessary a geotextile fabric can be 55% Meteor perennial ryegrass treatment is for existing bridleways used as a sub-base. The base course is 30% Boreal strong creeping red then a temporary alternative may be aggregate (size not provided) 150mm fescue required to allow the grass to become deep covered with a further 150mm of 10% Julia smooth-stalked meadow established. aggregate and top-soil mixed at the grass rate of 75:25. The surface is then 5% Highland browntop bent References

1. Shared Use Routes. Free Information Sheet FF04. Sustrans, 1999.

2. Disabled People and the National Cycle Network. Free Information Sheet FF05. Sustrans, 1998.

3. Access Controls. Free Information Sheet FF22. Sustrans 1998.

4. “Rights of Way: a Guide to Law and Practice”. Out of print but copies may may be available from public libraries. Riddell, John and Trevelyn, John, 1992.

5. Bridleway Gates: A Guide to Good Practice. The British Horse Society, 1996.

6. A Guide to the Surfacing of Bridleways and Access track on Marlborough Downs horse tracks. The British Horse Society, 1995.

7. Removing Barriers on the National Cycle Network Free Information Sheet FF09 BYWAYS AND and such consultation is encouraged 8. Designing for Security on the National Cycle in all cases. Network Free Information Sheet FF21. OTHER TRACKS Sustrans believes that walkers, horse- Current legislation allows access for riders and cyclists have much in motor vehicles over Byways Open to common, and that by working All Traffic (BOATS) and some Roads together we will be able to create new Used as Public Paths (RUPPS) where opportunities for non-motorised For further copies of this or vehicular rights exist. This can lead to transport and leisure in both urban other factsheets please call problems with offroading four wheel and rural areas. INFORMATION LINE drive enthusiasts especially where they 0117 929 0888 seek to re-open paths previously ADDRESSES: (Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm abandoned by motor vehicles. Saturdays 9.00am - 1.00pm Sustrans believes that Byways, RUPPS, British Horse Society April to September) many other country tracks and indeed Stoneleigh Deer Park some minor roads should be closed to Kenilworth www.sustrans.org.uk all motorised traffic (with the Warwickshire CV8 2XZ exception of legitimate residential, 35 King Street, BS1 4DZ business or farm access). Such The Ramblers Association Tel: 0117 926 8893 Fax: 0117 929 4173 proposals would benefit walkers, horse 1-5 Wandswoth Road Charity no. 326550 riders, horse drawn carriages and SW8 2XX cyclists alike. THERE IS NO COPYRIGHT Byways and Bridleways Trust - PLEASE PHOTOCOPY CONSULTATION PO Box 117 Newcastle-upon-Tyne Sustrans appreciates the time and NE3 5YT Sustrans actively consults with advice given by many organisations organisations representing different in the preparation of this document CTC user groups. We are in regular and would particularly like to thank Cotterell House discussions with the Ramblers’ the British Horse Society, The 69 Meadrow Association and the British Horse Ramblers’ Association and the DETR Godalming Society at a national level to ensure Countryside Division for their help. that their interests are recognised and, Surrey GU7 3HS where possible, catered for on traffic- free paths. In addition, many local DETR Countryside Division representatives have already been in Room 914 Tollgate House contact with Sustrans’ regional staff Houlton Street to discuss solutions to local situations BS2 9DJ.

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