Published at 13:24, Thursday, 22 May 2008

IN RESPONSE to Mr Lynch’s comments about Slaley Forest (Courant Letters, May 16) I make the following points.

I enjoy the countryside. I choose to live in a rural area. I enjoy walking, mountain biking and off-road biking. I am increasingly concerned that, within the framework of recent developments in relation to access to the countryside, bikers have become the villains of the piece.

Mr Lynch conjures up the image of hordes of irresponsible thugs rampaging around the forest driving other users away.

I would be one of the first to argue that within the ranks of off-road bikers there is a small minority of irresponsible bikers, but then I doubt if there is any activity or organisation that does not contain its own irresponsible element.

The majority of bikers are law abiding taxpayers, like the rest of the community, and have a legitimate claim to access the countryside to pursue their activity.

I, like many others, have the pleasure of using a number of the BOATs in the area and we seem to be able to co-exist amicably with other users. All that is needed is a little courtesy and understanding on the part of all users.

It is to be regretted that off-road bikers have suffered particularly in recent times with the ending of their access to many byways throughout the country.

The county council is to be congratulated in the positive steps it is taking. Rather than restricting the legitimate rights of bikers to the countryside it is encouraging that access by designating specific places for people to enjoy their chosen activity.

PETER CULLEN,

Allerwash

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk