Brankin promotes code to Highland cyclists

30th June 2006

Cyclists throughout the Highlands can now pick up new advice on access for off-road cycling, which was launched this week by Rhona Brankin, deputy environment minister (see picture). The information was developed by Scottish Cycling and the Cycle Touring Club (CTC) Scotland with support from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). It aims to outline good practice for off-road cycling, which is covered by the new right of responsible access to the countryside.

Cyclists and mountain bikers are an important target group for information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which defines responsible access in the outdoors and became law on 9th February 2005. The advice is part of a series of targeted leaflets on the access code for different groups entitled to use the new right, which covers all non-motorised access to the outdoors.

Rhona Brankin said:
“Scotland is rich in natural heritage and we want to make it easier for everyone to benefit from the great outdoors. Over the last year the Access Code has encouraged more and more people of all ages to make use of quality open spaces for a range of activities which will all lead to the improved health and wellbeing of Scotland’s people.

“National Bike Week encouraged people of all ages and abilities to explore Scotland by bike and this code of good practice will give guidance and encourage the public to use Scotland’s cycle paths.”

Bridget Dales, advisory officer at SNH said:
“Cyclists are one of several groups of people who benefit from the new right of responsible access to the outdoors but many people are unsure of what exactly it means for them. The new right allows everyone to cycle off-road throughout Scotland as long as they follow the basic principles of taking responsibility for your own actions, taking care of the environment and respecting other people’s interests. This leaflet has been produced by cyclists for cyclists and puts across the advice from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which is most relevant to off-road cyclists and explains these points in a user-friendly way. The leaflet is available from cycling organisations, bike shops and hire centres around the country, as well as on the websites for the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Scottish Cycling.”

Jenny Wright at Scottish Cycling said: “This project has been an excellent opportunity for us to work with other organisations involved in promoting off-road cycling in a sustainable and responsible way. Scottish Cycling is committed to maximising participation in cycling, not just competitive cycling, and we want everyone to be informed and encouraged to get out and ride. We will be promoting the good practice advice to leaders qualified through the Scottish Mountain Bike Leader Award Scheme, of which there are over 1000, engaged in leading groups off-road throughout Scotland. “

John Taylor, CTC Scotland's off-road spokesman, said:
"Cyclists are over the moon with the Land Reform Act which created a right for them to go off-road for the first time in history. Most of them are caring people, but this leaflet spells out for them just what their rights and responsibilities really are. In particular, it shows them how to get on amicably with providers and other users. It also shows others what guidance cyclists are getting.”

The leaflet includes key points from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code relevant to off road cyclists, such as avoiding wet, boggy or soft ground or churning up the surface, being considerate to other users of the countryside and those living and working there, and being aware of potential hazards. The leaflet will be distributed throughout Scotland in July.

SNH worked with Cycle Touring Club Scotland and Scottish Cycling to produce this leaflet. To order copies of the leaflet please contact Jenny Wright at Scottish Cycling on Tel: 0131 652 0187 or go to www.scottishcycling.com or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com