Cycling UK and Open MTB have just issued the preliminary results from their Off-Road survey which found 74% of the participants consider the current rights of way unsuitable for off-road cycling.

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Nearly 12,000 completed surveys

The survey ran from 24 August until 31 October, during which time 11,482 people completed the survey. The results are currently being analysed by Cycling UK and a full report will be released in early 2017.

Initial findings show the off-road and mountain biking community back Cycling UK’s position that the archaic rights of way in England and Wales are not suitable for the 21st century.

Over 50% of participants chose their number one off-road campaign goal to be on “increased access”.

Less than a quarter of paths open to bikes

Under current laws cyclists have a right to use a mere 22% of England’s rights of way network, and 21% in Wales. Whether a route is a footpath, a bridleway or a byway is generally determined by its history of past usage, and not at all by its suitability. This can mean cycling may be permitted on an unrideable muddy bridleway but not on a tarmac-surfaced footpath, even where it is used privately by motor vehicles.

Cycling UK argues responsible access laws would not just benefit tourism and the leisure industry, but would also enhance the opportunities for motor traffic-free cycling (52% said they use footpaths “to avoid traffic danger”).

The survey has also revealed the importance placed on off-road cycling for both physical and mental health, with 90% considering it fairly or very important for their physical health and 91% fairly or very important for their mental health.

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Other findings include:

• 66% of rights of way rides are local, beginning at the rider’s door
• 65% of those using footpaths quote “lack of choice”
• 62% say off-road cycling is their primary form of exercise

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK’s CEO, said: “While the national media might see cycling in terms of gold medals, the unprecedented interest in our survey shows there’s a lively and vibrant off-road community that has real concerns which Government is not listening to or doing anything about. This must change.

“The rights of way system harks back to the era when the horse and carriage was the height of transport technology, and unfortunately it hasn’t changed much since then while the rest of the world has moved on.

“So many responses extolled the mental and physical health benefits of heading out on to the trails, and Cycling UK wants to make it easier for more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling away from traffic in the beauty of our extensive countryside.

“It’s going to be quite a battle to change the outdated laws and attitudes which have prevented progress so far, but we managed it in Scotland, and with the off-road and mountain biking community’s help, we can do it too in England and Wales.”