Increase Public Bridleways to equal Public Footpaths

Responsible department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

To acitively promote and encourage the development of new public bridleways for the safe off road use of mainly horse riders, but also cyclist and pedestrians.

Currently the national network of public rights of way consists of 91,000 miles footpath; but only 20,000 miles of bridleway, 2,300 miles byway and 3,700 miles restricted byway (source: Natural England web site).

The creation of public bridleways (20,000 miles) up to the same level as footpaths (91,000 miles) will reduce road accidents/fatalities (see www.horseaccidents.org.uk/) while promoting healthy outdoor activity and safe use of the countryside for all ages/sex.