While footpaths are only open to walkers, and cycle tracks are only open to walkers and cyclists, the National Bridleroute Network is available to horse riders, walkers, and cyclists. Catering for all three groups represents a Best Value approach to spending. Some paths will be open to horse-drawn vehicles too.
Right: Photograph courtesy SUSTRANS.
Below: Photograph courtesy Peterborough Environment City Trust.

The City of Sunderland Council's Environment Department has published a strategy for horse riding in its area. This says, "Following national guidelines we are continuing the policy to improve bridleways. The priority is to complete safer circular routes, rather than linear journeys with considerable distances on roads. We will be using disused railway lines, creating new bridleway links and upgrading public footpaths where required."

In August 1999, the British Horse Society launched a cycling strategy in the Eastern Region. This asked local authorities to record in their local plans and local transport plans the fact that cyclists can use bridleways but riders can't use cycle tracks, and that it therefore makes sense always to consider explicity whether bridleway status should be given when new routes are constructed. Over half the authorities in the region have signed up to the full strategy.

Recent Government advice has asked local authorities to promote walking and cycling as sustainable means of transport, and adding elements of the National Bridleroute Network can meet these aims as well as those of riders, without additional cost. The Government has recognised this; in its Guidance on Local Transport Plans it says (para 120),

We will be looking to local authorities to build on existing efforts to increase the amount and safety of cycling, and thereby contribute towards meeting the central [National Cycling Strategy] target of increasing the number of cycle trips to four times its 1996 level by 2012. Local authorities should actively seek to establish partnerships for action, with other public bodies, commercial organisations and voluntary sector groups. In developing and implementing particular proposals, they should consult at an early stage with representative local groups, as well as with people likely to be directly affected.

Walking is a low-cost, healthy and socially inclusive way of travelling. Investment in it can benefit everybody.

In Britain, companies like Bridle Rides and Transwales Trails have started to provide services to riders by providing a booking service so that riders start their holiday with the right maps for their journey, have all the bed and breakfast (horse and rider!) taken care of, and can even have their belongings moved between staging posts for them while they are riding the scenic route. In order to facilitate holidays for friends and partners where not everyone has a horse, Bridle Rides now promote the use of routes suitable for mountain bikes, and alternative cycling routes for those with ordinary bicycles. The development of the National Bridleroute Network will increase the riding and cycling networks.