World Champ Tracy Moseley gives Trails for Wales full support
Trails for Wales is the rallying cry for the UK’s leading cycle bodies as they respond to the Welsh Government’s consultation “Improving opportunities to access the outdoors for responsible recreation” which runs until 02 October, and call for open access to the rights of way network as enjoyed by Scotland.
Since the campaign started on 1 September, nearly 1800 off road and mountain bike enthusiasts have written to the Welsh Government in support of “Trails for Wales”. This high level of engagement is reportedly the most the Welsh Government has ever had with the off-road cycling community.
CTC and Open MTB are calling for all outdoor enthusiasts to support their campaign Trails for Wales, which they can do at www.ctc.org.uk/campaign/trails-wales
I am supporting CTC and Open MTB's Trails for Wales campaign to change the current out of date access rights and open up these rights of way for the enjoyment of all cyclists at all levels."
Tracy Moseley
Tracy Moseley said:
“Wales has been at the forefront of mountain bike trail centres for many years now. I've used them extensively over the last 20 years of my racing career, but there are so many more trails out there to offer cyclists than just these purpose built centres.
“By opening up rights of way for cyclists, Wales could be one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world.
“That's why I am supporting the CTC and Open MTB's Trails for Wales campaign to change the current out of date access rights and open up these rights of way for the enjoyment of all cyclists at all levels.
“The open access policy has worked so well in Scotland, making it a go to destination for mountain biking. Wales could shortly be enjoying the same benefits and then I hope we will see the same across England too."
The coalition of cycle groups are calling on everyone to write to the Welsh Government in support of their response, and can do so through a simple online tool.
Notes to editors
- Tracy Moseley is British professional racing cyclist and MTB World Champion who was born in Worcester, and specialises in downhill mountain bike racing. She also competes in multi discipline mountain bike racing from Enduro, XC, and Cyclocross. In addition to racing, she is a coach and works to pass on her expertise to children at her local cycling club. https://www.facebook.com/tracymoseleyuk
- For further information on CTC, the UK’s largest cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone: www.ctc.org.uk
- OpenMTB has been formed to act co-operatively on behalf of organisations on issues that concern mountain bikers, such as improved access rights, user group consultations, trail improvement and maintenance etc. Early in 2015 representatives from a number of mountain bike associations met journalists and industry experts from across England and Wales to see how they could work together for the benefit of our community. In the past it has been difficult for governing bodies to consult our diverse community due to the lack of a single point of contact, and OpenMTB was formed as a result. www.facebook.com/OpenMTB / www.twitter.com/OpenMTB
- Trails for Wales is also supported by British Cycling and Welsh Cycling: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/20150902-mountain-bike-Br…;
- The Welsh Government’s consultation “Improving opportunities to access the outdoors for responsible recreation” can be found in English at: http://gov.wales/consultations/environmentandcountryside/improving-oppo…; and Welsh at: http://gov.wales/consultations/environmentandcountryside/improving-oppo…
- Following the Land Reform Act 2003 Scotland enjoys ‘presumed access’. This means there is a presumption of “responsible access”, subject to exemptions laid out in the Outdoor Access Code (eg forestry operations). Consequently, Scottish off-road and leisure cycle tourism are booming and contribute between £236.2m and £358m a year.
- Currently in Wales the Rights of Way system is based upon recorded historic use of routes instead of suitability. As a result, cyclists have rights to use just 21% of the network, with permission to ride along narrow rocky sheep tracks on steep ground but denied access to thousands of miles of public footpaths lying on metalled farm and forest roads. Recent research indicates that outdoor activity in Wales contributes to nearly 10% of the Welsh tourist economy. The group argues that changes to countryside access within Wales could dramatically increase this figure, thereby offering more social, transport, recreational and health benefits for both residents and visitors to the country.
Press contact information
For more information and photos of Tracy Moseley contact the national CTC Press Office on 0778 632 0713 or email publicity@ctc.org.uk.
