Bridleways, byways and cycle tracks (England & Wales)

Cyclist riding off-road

Headline Messages:

Cycling is legal on 22% of the Rights of Way (RoW) network in England and Wales. However, whether it is legal to cycle on a path does not relate to its suitability. While cyclists have the right to cycle on bridleways and byways, many of them are unsuitable; on the other hand, cyclists are not allowed to ride along footpaths, many of which are perfectly fine for cycling.
The suppressed demand for good traffic-free cycling routes for both recreational and utility use is considerable, but much of the RoW network is best suited to mountain biking. More people could enjoy offroad cycling if the network were expanded, more coherent, and better maintained and signed. This needs concerted action from local and national government, plus reform to RoW law.

CTC View (formal statement of CTC's policy):

Improvements and additions to the bridleways and byways network would enhance the opportunities for motor traffic-free cycling, particularly for families and casual cyclists.
National government should review RoW law to enhance cycling opportunities by, for example:
- following the lead of Scotland’s Land Reform Act 2003, which gave cyclists lawful access to most countryside in Scotland;
- simplifying the legal process for converting footpaths to cycle tracks.
Highway authorities should fulfil their duties under existing legislation to make sure that the potential of the RoW network is fully realised for both recreational and utility cyclists.
Cycle racing on bridleways should be permitted by law, subject to appropriate consultation and regulation.
While signing from roads onto the RoW network is now reasonably acceptable, waymarking of the network itself needs improving.
Highway authorities should not only fulfil their legal duties to maintain byways and bridleways,but should also carry out maintenance programmes to ensure that they are rideable.

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Publication Date:

January 2013

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