Further to my blog the other day, here’s an example of how bikers and riders can get along together successfully, and it’s on one of the UK’s most popular trails, the Welsh mountain of Snowdon. Maybe this is something other areas of the country can take notice of and use in similar ways for themselves.

A voluntary agreement for bikers not to use Snowdon’s bridleways between 10.00am and 5.00pm takes effect for the summer months, namely May 1st to 30th September, although the lower section of the Snowdon Ranger Path that connects with Maesgwm is not affected by this. This agreement was originally agreed back in 2003 between Snowdonia National Park, Cyclists Touring Club Cymru, Welsh Cycling Union and the International Mountain Bicycling Organisation, and simply asks that bikers avoid using the bridleways on the mountain within the specified times.

It was introduced to combat concerns that the increase in numbers of riders and walkers using the paths in summer could result in more accidents. The National Park Authority do maintain a watch to see that bikers honour the agreement, for both their own safety and that of other users. This means that the need for an official Traffic Regulation Order on the bridleways can be avoided and the bikers can have access.

Bikers see the route up and down Snowdon as one of the ultimate Welsh trips to undertake, and the this agreement means that the trial is a lot safer for them as they avoid times when the trial is busy, so making there experience safer. During 2013 over 600 cyclists are recorded as having used the most popular route for bikes, the Llanberis Path. The bikers have been applauded by the Park for their commitment to the agreement with the vast majority making a huge effect to keep to the advised times. However, there was an increase in accidents involving cyclists and the train tracks which wind their way up the mountain. Especially in situations when it becomes difficult to spot an oncoming train in low visibility, so the Park representatives are working on this particular issue with the biking organizations and The Snowdon Mountain Railway to work out any possible solutions.

So not all bad news for cyclists and other bridleway users, and whatever your outdoor pursuit remember to dress for the occasion, especially Snowdon where conditions can change quickly, so always make sure you pack enough extra clothing in your rucksack.