BHS encourages active travel for all

The UK’s foremost equestrian charity, The British Horse Society (BHS), has responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation on Active Travel, supporting the principles of active travel for all, but condemning the Bill’s lack of provision for equestrians.

The Bill sets out proposals to identify and map a network of routes for walkers and cyclists, identify enhancements that would create a fully integrated network and deliver results to make the network a reality.

BHS Director of Access Safety and Welfare, Mark Weston, said: “We fully support the principles of an active lifestyle for all, which is why we are concerned that equestrianism is not included within the Active Travel Bill. Horse riding, and where applicable carriage driving, should be added to the plans, and routes made available for all vulnerable users.

“It is illogical to deem a road unsafe for vulnerable users and provide an alternative for only walkers and cyclists, leaving equestrians to risk their lives on a dangerous road.”

The BHS is committed to defending and creating a safer, more easily- accessible network of routes for all. The resulting National Bridleroute Network can be viewed at www.emagin.org. The Society supports the creation of new routes that can be used by all non-motorised users and the redefining of existing routes to ‘restricted byway’ status, so they can be used by all non-motorised users.

The consultation is open until 14 August at wales.gov.uk/consultations/transport/activetravelbill/?lang=en

For further press information and pictures, please contact our Press Officer: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society on 02476 840463

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