Cyclists riding in one of the UK’s busiest national parks will be expected to abide by a new code of conduct designed to reduce friction between riders and other road users.
The code promoting responsible cycling has been agreed by 20 New Forest organisations including the New Forest National Park Authority and UK Cycling Events, one of UK’s biggest sportive organisers.
The voluntary code follows a year of controversy for New Forest cycling in which sportives were sabotaged. Waymarker signs were ripped down and on one occasion, mud was claimed to be spread on the road, causing a safety hazard.
The New Forest National Park Authority's Nigel Matthews said the code was a "significant and welcome achievement," according to the BBC.
The code advises riders not to ride more than two abreast, to call out warnings when passing people and animals, to be polite to other road users and not to litter.
New Forest District Council told BikeRadar that it was helping draw up a new charter for ride organisers planning to hold events in the park. The charter is expected to be published in the New Year.
Earlier this month Surrey County Council said it would petition central government to establish tougher regulations governing sportive organisation.