The British Horse Society obtains barrister's opinion on
legality of horse riding in cycle lanes and cycle tracks
The British Horse Society's Access and Safety Departments
have obtained a barrister's opinion as to whether or not riders
could be prosecuted for riding in cycle lanes and cycle tracks.
Barrister Mary Macpherson, who specialises in access issues,
advised that a horse rider who rides in a cycle lane or cycle
track created by a traffic regulation order will not be committing
an offence.
Mark Weston, the BHS's Director of Access, Safety and Welfare,
said: "Mary also advised that a horse rider who rides
on a cycle lane created under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984 will
not be committing an offence but could be liable to prosecution
under the Highways Act if the rider causes an obstruction
on the cycle lane or if they disturb the unmade surface of
a cycle path so as to render it inconvenient for cyclists
to use.
"The Department for Transport has confirmed that riders
will not be committing an offence by using a bus or cycle
lane. The Highway Code is due to be revised this year and
the Department for Transport has assured the BHS that it will
be amended to reflect this position."
Different legislation applies to London where traffic regulation
orders creating cycle lanes and cycle tracks can exclude ridden
horses, so riders should not ride in cycle lanes or cycle
tracks in London without first checking the wording of the
relevant traffic regulation order.
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