The New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) has approved the controversial New Forest Cycling Events Charter, proposed by its affiliate Cycling Liaison Group, despite widespread criticism from numerous cycling organisations. 

Earlier this week Cyclosport reported that bodies including CTC, Sustrans and British Cycling, as well as event organisers UK Cycling Events had opposed two key clauses in the charter - namely the suggested 1,000 rider cap on sportives in the National Park and the requirement to wear both front and rear identification numbers during events.

The charter was intended to be a set of guidelines that event organisers would voluntarily endorse; however, it now seems unlikely that this will happen – certainly in the case of UK Cycling Events, who organise two sportives in the New Forest that regularly attract over 2,000 participants.

However, as Road.cc reports, if event organisers fail to voluntarily adhere to the charter the NPA will seek to instigate changes in statute that would make the guidelines legally binding. Another report in the Bournemouth Echo suggests that there is already political support for such a move from two Conservative MPs – Julian Lewis and Desmond Swayne, who represent New Forest East and New Forest West respectively. 

Nevertheless, all is not lost for the cycling community, as in the form of Lib-Dem county councillor, David Harrison event organisers seem to have found a political ally. Harrison told fellow NPA members there was “zero chance” of the Government introducing new laws to regulate sportives. 

He added: “Let's stop victimising cyclists. To paint them all as anti-social menaces just plays into the hands of a small minority of local people who have developed a visceral hatred of anyone wearing Lycra.” 

“Recent large-scale cycling events have taken place with barely a problem. They involved hundreds of people visiting the area, enjoying themselves, benefiting the economy and raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes. I want the organisers to be around the table when events are planned. I want co-operation, not confrontation,” Harrison concluded. 

Following the NFNPA's decision to approve the charter, CTC Campaigns Coordinator Sam Jones said: “The cap in cycling numbers, which the Park Authority mandated to be included in the Charter, was loosely justified on safety grounds. It is therefore mystifying and incredibly frustrating that our amendment - which placed the Safety Advisory Group at the very heart of decision making for each and every cycle event - was rejected. Instead, an arbitrary and discriminatory cap with no foundation in evidence will be implemented."

Have your say in the comments section below...