The British Horse Society welcomes Minister’s support

The British Horse Society warmly welcomes the support for the use of cycle routes by horse riders offered by Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries.  Reinforcing a point frequently made by the BHS, the Minister makes clear that "Past research has shown that user conflict on shared use routes is actually infrequent but exaggerated, and that additional maintenance cost to ensure appropriate surfacing is minimal."

Mr Benyon urges all local authorities to allow horse riders to use cycle trails, routes and any other ways where it is in their power to do so, and to encourage that permission or dedication to happen where it is not in their power.  In the Government's view: "Unless there are good and specific reasons not to expressly allow horse riders to use such routes, local authorities should take steps to accommodate them.  Local authorities should be making the most of their off-road networks through integration of use.  Multi user routes have been shown to be readily adopted and well appreciated by local people.  Where they are done well they bolster community cohesion and create a better understanding between users."

Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare said: "This is something for which the BHS has been campaigning for years and the Minister’s request that all local authorities allow horse riders to use these routes is most welcome."

For further press information and pictures, please contact our Press Officer: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society, 02476 840463 or a.coleman@bhs.org.uk 

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