Young and love the outdoors? Your views count!

By Sam Jones
Thursday, 24 September 2015
One of Trails for Wales' younger supporters (photo: Nigel Pugh)
The Welsh Government is seeking to change how people access and enjoy the countryside. To help out CTC has set up Trails for Wales which is open to all outdoor enthusiasts wherever you live & no matter your age. We've created a simple form you can find below which we’ll send off on your behalf.

CTC and Open MTB launched Trails for Wales back at the beginning of September, and with support from British and Welsh Cycling, has seen over to 2,600 people write to the Welsh Government in support of a responsible open access policy to the rights of way network.

Key figures in the outdoor world such as downhill cycle champ Tracy Moseley and adventurer Mark Beaumont have added their collective voices to the campaign. They too want to see everyone’s right to cycle access more than the mere 21 per cent of Wales’ Rights of Way network that is currently available to cycling. Trails for Wales wants to increase this access, and make Rights of Way, which are traditionally determined by the history of the path’s use, decided upon by suitability.

“It’s great to see the Welsh Government seeking the views of the next generation, as they’re the ones who will see the lasting benefit of an open access policy. I cannot encourage them enough to take part and make a real difference to the future of Wales and the UK.”

Mark Beaumont, adventurer

In support of Trails for Wales, Mark Beaumont said: “I would love to see the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which allows a right to roam for all non-motorised vehicles to be adopted across the UK, and it is fantastic to see the Welsh Government open to consultation on this, which would allow mountain bikers the freedom to explore freely, as long as they respect the land, its farming and any areas of conservation.”

The Welsh Government is keen to hear all people’s views, no matter their age, and has asked CTC to help seek young cyclists’ views on off-road access. We’ve set up the form at the bottom of the page with 6 short questions for the younger cyclist (under 18) to fill in. No ID is required – just your thoughts! Once you’ve filled it in we’ll make sure it is sent on to the Welsh Government for you.

Should you not wish to use CTC’s form, you can access English and Welsh PDF versions and send it back to the Welsh Government at: [email protected]. Just make sure you get your response in by 02 October.

If you’re older than 18, then please use CTC’s other online form which can be found in English and Welsh.

The consultation is now closed.

Off-road access Trails for Wales Off-road cycling Cycling UK in Wales