Cycling Presentment Made to the October 2024 Meeting of the Verderers Court

Official Verderer and Verderers and the members of public attending court today, I am Sarah Richards, Vice Chair of the New Forest Association, also known as the Friends of the New Forest.  I am giving this presentment on behalf of the association in response to the Deputy Surveyor’s presentment on the proposed extension of cycling routes in the forest made to the September Court.

The New Forest Association welcomes work to create a co-ordinated recreational cycle network and to promote sustainable transport. The Deputy Surveyor’s September presentment certainly shows positive elements – the Cycling Code, the Network Ambassadors, Cycling App Engagement as well as some robust routes that serve as convenient links. But there are other issues and routes that cause us considerable concern which we ask the Verderers to consider.

First, what are the processes in place to ensure informed public consultation? The proposals appear to have been formulated by a relatively small group. We urge the Verderers to ensure that proper consultation and processes are followed that meet for example statutory habitat protections which will serve as some guard against environmental damage to the forest.

Secondly, we are unclear how these proposals dovetail with other elements of the Recreational Management Plan for example the proposed relocation of car parks, the preservation of ecologically sensitive areas or compliance with the Verderers’ tranquillity policy.  To achieve any sense of tranquillity, as an oasis between vibrant urban areas, and to preserve the forest’s special qualities consideration must be given to reducing, not increasing, recreational pressure in the more remote parts of the forest. The wider New Forest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, currently out for consultation, also needs to fit.

Thirdly, has adequate consideration been given to the interaction with other forest users, including walkers and horse riders, as well as forest stock for example the use of underpasses and driftways. It is clear, for example, that certain proposed tracks are heavily used by walkers. A full risk assessment is a necessity particularly if commoners are exposed to additional liability.

Fourthly, the presentment refers to the ‘a degree of upgrading’ of some tracks. What is envisaged? Will tracks be gravelled, with creeping urbanisation and possible changes to habitat and grazing, and, if so, what of future maintenance?  

Fifthly, we see little in these proposals to address off tracking cycling. Indeed, the opening of new tracks across the open forest may tempt more cyclists off-track. This lack of action is despite the Verderers’ past pleas to Forestry England.  Our own Byelaw surveys reveal worrying levels of off-track cycling as well as the abusive behaviour.  For example, 713 instances were recorded in our 2022 Watch, our commoners’ survey of 2023 found that off-track cycling was the second most concerning problem to commoners, and it was the third most recorded byelaw breach, after litter and dog waste, in our 2024 Watch. 

Last but by no means least what is the evidence upon which these proposed extensions are based? Is there data of existing use of the network and projections of likely increase in use of any extended cycle network and particular tracks? We ask the Verderers to ensure that they have all necessary information to make an informed judgment.  ave  Have

 All in all, we do not see how any responsible body can comment on, let alone approve, the proposals as currently presented.