Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.

Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.

Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.

Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.

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New Forest Cycling Code

Summary

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Guidance for cycling in the New Forest to protect people, wildlife, and the working forest environment. Cyclists should be considerate by riding no more than two abreast, moving into single file to let vehicles pass, and using only waymarked off-road routes. Plan routes with a map, aim to leave forest tracks by sunset, and be polite to other road and path users. Warn people and animals with a bell or voice, give plenty of space, and be ready to stop. Do not litter or feed animals, close gates, and keep noise down. For safety, pass animals slowly, take extra care near horses, ride at safe speeds on narrow and uneven roads, obey signs, avoid overtaking large vehicles when unsafe, wear bright or reflective clothing, use lights in darkness or poor visibility, and avoid earphones. Cyclists are asked to follow both the Highway Code and this local code.
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NPA 00265

New Forest Cycling Code

Welcome to the New Forest: a beautiful, tranquil and environmentally sensitive place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. The New Forest is also a working forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow roads and tracks. Ponies, cattle and other animals are free to roam the Forest and most of its roads.

Be considerate

  • Ride positively and well clear of uneven road edges but with consideration for other road-users. To allow vehicles to overtake safely, leave gaps for them to pull into and move into single file when necessary and safe to do so. Never ride more than two abreast.
  • Off road, cycle only on the waymarked network of Forestry Commission tracks, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and designated routes.
  • Use a map to plan your route and try to be off Forest tracks by sunset.
  • Be polite to other cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and residents.
  • When passing people and animals, use your bell or call out a warning and allow them plenty of room. Be prepared to stop if necessary.
  • Do not drop litter or feed the animals; human food and litter are a danger to them.
  • Close gates behind you so the animals don’t stray.
  • Respect the quiet of the Forest.

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