Welsh Gov't proposes legalising cycling on footpaths
A step towards fairer access for bikes?
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It's good news for those after more access to the rights of way network in Wales, as the devolved Welsh Government has proposed a number of changes to how people can enjoy the countryside, including opening up more - but not all - footpaths to cycle and horse access.
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If it sounds like we've been here before then yes, this was proposed a while back but all that pesky Brexit business threw a spanner in the works after a large-scale consultation came out massively in favour of improved access for bikes.
However, now Brexit is all sorted (?!) the Welsh Gov has re-tabled many of those original proposals, including opening up footpaths to pedal and hoof access where appropriate - eg where it won't cause massive issues.
It's such a big deal that Cycling UK is hailing it as potentially being “the most significant changes to rights of way legislation since Scotland’s Land Reform Act in 2003”, though the bikes-on-footpath bit is just one of many measures being put forward.
Land that is currently open access to walkers, such as areas of Cadair Idris, the Berwyn mountains in North Wales and Natural Resources Wales’ forests, might also see certain restrictions lifted, though it's still sad news for bikepacking as camping will still be prohibited without prior permission.
“These proposals, when implemented, could be the most significant changes to rights of way legislation since Scotland’s Land Reform Act in 2003,” said Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK head of campaigns. “Through Cycling UK’s Trails for Wales campaign, over 12,000 people have written to the Welsh Government calling for change, and it’s a great day for Wales and lovers of the outdoors that they have listened.”
In the UK, only the Scottish Government has passed laws to improve access radically, with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. This law allows people the right to access and cross land for recreational and educational purposes unless expressly forbidden to do so. That's been a big boon to the Scottish economy, with cycle tourism estimated to generate between £236 and £358 million each year.
Mr Dollimore said: “Improving public access, particularly in the creation or restoration of connected routes is a public good. Farmers, visitors and local communities in Wales will all benefit – and today’s announcement from the Minister is the next important step to achieving this.”
While it's all very exciting, there's still a long road ahead before this actually happens. Fingers crossed this time around eh?
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