RIDE UK
Forget the jams of the M25, and enjoy the peace of the H25 - on
horseback!
The British Horse Society today announced a new initiative as part of
its Access 2000 campaign - RIDE UK. Its aim is to provide safe,
off-road riding for more than 2 million horse riders and carriage
drivers and to save lives.
RIDE UK launches a vision of a network of pleasant, well maintained, off
road riding routes, providing a national bridleroute network.
Stage one will identify all the existing routes, starting with the
strategic National trunk routes, such as the Ridgeway (H4) and the
London Orbital Bridleroute (H25). These will link to the regional
routes (ie. Swan's Way, the Icknield Way), which in turn will link to
community circular routes such as the Peterborough Green Wheel.
With a nationwide picture of what is currently available, the next stage
will be to target resources into bridging gaps in the network, ensuring
that all riders, wherever they live, have access to somewhere safe to
ride.
The UK has some of the most attractive riding country in Europe but
little has been done to exploit this national asset, which could make a
valuable contribution to the rural economy. European countries invest
heavily in equestrian tourism and, with farming in crisis, equestrian
tourism offers tremendous potential in the UK. The availability of safe
off-road riding routes is the only limiting factor.
In launching this national initiative, the British Horse Society is
seeking the involvement of all equestrian and countryside groups, and
the support of Government and local authorities. Individual riders will
join in the challenge to make Great Britain a rider's paradise.
Progress will be charted on the web site at www.rideuk.bhs-inter.net
Note:
1. 29 May to 4 June is BHS Access 2000 Week - aimed at highlighting
the need for more off road routes for riding and carriage driving.
2. It is estimated that there are more than 3000 accidents a year
involving horse riders on the roads.
Press enquiries to Nichola Gregory,
BHS Press Officer 08701 20 88 80
British Horse Society
Stoneleigh Deer Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire CV8 2XZ
01926 707700
Nichola Gregory
BHS Press Officer
