Access to MOD Land - The Big Picture Surrey and Hampshire cyclists are finding that MoD are increasingly restricting access to their land for cyclists (and also making life much harder for horseriders and walkers). Is this happening in other parts of the country? Can you let us know if there are problems elsewhere? This will help us in negotiating with the MoD about our local problems, and the CTC in national discussions with MoD. An MoD Byelaw Review has been under way since 2003 but little progress has been made. We understand the timetable is being accelerated with a view to completing the process within three years but there are pressing issues that cannot wait that long. It is vital for CTC to ensure its voice is heard in the review process: the new byelaws must take proper account of cycling as a legitimate activity on MoD land and ensure that unnecessary restrictions are lifted. CTC needs to be fully informed about the present situation across the country so that it can speak with authority to the MoD. We do not know if the problems in Surrey and Hampshire are purely local or a symptom of wider problems that have first surfaced here. We certainly do not want the restriction of longstanding tolerated access to become a template for the byelaw review. If you have MoD training land in your area, can you let us know both the formal position regarding cyclists and what happens in practice if this is different? It would be really helpful to hear from anyone with relevant experience, knowledge or suggestions. We would be happy to tell you more about our experience in Surrey and Hampshire if anyone is interested. Access problems are not retricted to cyclists. Walkers, who traditionally have had greater rights than cyclists, and horse riders are now experiencing problems. This is an important issue for all non-motorised users whenever MoD actions on the ground run counter to the MoDs presumption of access. All of us will wish to ensure that this presumption is not eroded during the review process and will have the best chance of success if they present a united front.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 10:40:30 +0000
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