Can countryside users get on without too much friction, after all l we all want to enjoy what the great outdoors can offer, but it seems that certain elements of groups cannot follow what seems to be common sense.

Leith Hill (Surrey), the highest point in south-east England, has become the latest area where cyclists and horse riders have clashed. A new mountain bike trail has been established that in parts alongside a bridleway. The new trail is disputed after claims by the British Horse Society are investigated that the trial itself is illegal and that the proximity of bikes travelling at speed to horses will result in a fatal accident. The claim is that cyclists do not have the same access to common land as riders and walkers, and that there have already been a number of incidents caused by cyclists travelling too quickly and too aggressively, although no biker has stopped for long enough for any name to be taken.

However, one local cyclist has said that there is an issue with the actual design of the track, where there is a 100ft blindspot where it is impossible to know if there is a horse or walker in the sunken bridleway beneath them, and could be seen as an accident waiting to happen. It should be pointed out that there are plenty of bridleways and tracks for cyclists that happily coexist, but people should always be reminded of the needs of other users. We don’t want to see cyclists being banned but maybe better education is required?

Within the New Forest, both walkers and riders are free to roam, but cyclists are supposed to use only gravel paths. However, in spite of the introduction of a £500 fine, it has been claimed that mountain bike users in particular are simply flouting the rules. In fact, in September 2013 one gentleman unfortunately died when he fell from his horse as it was spooked by a cyclist coming up behind him at speed on an unauthorized route near Beaulieu.

Problems in Delamere Forest have meant that a new code of conduct has been introduced urging all riders to be aware of other users and to warn then when they approach, especially if approaching from behind. However, riders claim that their horses can often be startled by cyclists doing jumps and fast steep descents on areas that cross paths they use.

However, this is obviously a minority, the vast majority of cyclists and mountain bikers are aware of the rules and give the horses the space and priority they are entitled to. After all we all want to enjoy this country’s green spaces. If you have had any problems, or want to show how well riders and cyclists get along let us know and maybe we can solve the issue ourselves?