Report - Section 6.8

6.8   Improving the safety of routes open to all traffic

An alternative approach to new off-road provision is to improve the safety of roads and other routes that are currently open to all traffic. The increase in the size, speed and volume of traffic on rural lanes over recent years has made usage by nonmotorised groups dangerous and unpleasant, particularly for riders.

6.8.1 Traffic Restriction Orders
A Highway Authority can issue a Traffic Restriction Order that effectively downgrades a Byway Open to All Traffic or a green lane, if they feel that it is in the interest of a particular user group. The cost of issuing such an order is costly and it is only a temporary solution.

6.8.2 Quiet Roads and Traffic Calming
It is likely that horse riders will continue to depend on roads to provide part of their access requirements. If networks are to develop, then quiet roads may provide an important tool to provide improved safety for all road users. Greenways is a recent Countryside Agency initiative creating networks of largely car-free, off-road routes that may offer some possibilities. A pilot Quiet Lanes Project was set up in Norfolk (Norfolk County Council, 2000), and there is also experience of a demonstration project in Kent. 13 Pilots have been put forward in East Sussex including two by HWBG. None have been implemented.

BHS gave right of access to cyclists on bridlepaths in 1968 when cyclists were riding ordinary machines and used bells to warn of presence²¹. The picture is now quite different in some areas with cyclists riding narrow lanes at speeds of up to 40 m.p.h. Sharing paths with horse-riders is difficult except where consideration and care shown. The higher the usage, the higher the risk. (Community circuits need to address these issues before being swamped.) Horse riders do not have equal access to cycle tracks.

Verges can contribute to joining routes (and new paths behind the hedgeline).

6.8.3 Safe Road Crossings
Linkages between roads and the bridleway network are important, in order to provide initial access. However, junctions and, in particular, crossings need to be made as safe as possible. Costs for this construction work can be high. Bridges may need to be provided, or designed to be appropriate for horse crossing. Sometimes, a stretch of parallel safe horse route may need to be provided alongside a busy main road.

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²¹ Horse-riders feel they have had to fight to receive equal access on cycle routes.