Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on (a) horse
rider access to bridleways and (b) future numbers of bridleways. [20990]
Richard Benyon:
DEFRA is keen for horse riders to be able to access more off-road riding to
take them away from busy roads. We will use a big society approach, using
innovative ways of creating improved bridleway networks, including statutory,
permissive and paid access. DEFRA supports equestrian access organisations
working strategically with local highway authorities and landowners to deliver
real benefits to horse riders.