Draft Bradford District Local Plan - Preferred Options (Regulation 18) February 2021

Comment

Representation ID: 12152

Received: 19/03/2021

Respondent: British Horse Society

Only approximately 85 km of PROW network is available for horse riders, in Bradford (bridleways, byways and restricted byways)

The network is fragmented, roads are often the only available links between one RoW and the next. Any infrastructure relating to non-motorised users must take into account those other than walkers and cyclists.

Local Plan should include equestrians as vulnerable road users, to ensure that their needs are considered equally alongside those of pedestrians and cyclists.

Inclusion of equestrians in the Active Travel Strategy.

Equestrians to be included in any shared-use routes.

Equestrians should be considered/consulted at early stage of any major housing or infrastructure development.

Horse riding is a year-round activity which is classed as moderate intensity exercise. Some older or disabled people, being on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage gives them access to the countryside and a freedom of movement they would not otherwise be able to achieve.
There are considerable psychological and social benefits from equestrian activities.
Equestrianism is popular, and contributes significantly to the local economy.
The equestrian community currently has many difficulties in finding safe access. Many issues could be addressed and resolved through good planning of future development. Community horse arenas could be provided using section 106 money.

Comment

Representation ID: 12153

Received: 19/03/2021

Respondent: British Horse Society

Only approximately 85 km of PROW network is available for horse riders, in Bradford (bridleways, byways and restricted byways)

The network is fragmented, roads are often the only available links between one RoW and the next. Any infrastructure relating to non-motorised users must take into account those other than walkers and cyclists.

Local Plan should include equestrians as vulnerable road users, to ensure that their needs are considered equally alongside those of pedestrians and cyclists.

Inclusion of equestrians in the Active Travel Strategy.

Equestrians to be included in any shared-use routes.

Equestrians should be considered/consulted at early stage of any major housing or infrastructure development.

Horse riding is a year-round activity which is classed as moderate intensity exercise. Some older or disabled people, being on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage gives them access to the countryside and a freedom of movement they would not otherwise be able to achieve.
There are considerable psychological and social benefits from equestrian activities.
Equestrianism is popular, and contributes significantly to the local economy.
The equestrian community currently has many difficulties in finding safe access. Many issues could be addressed and resolved through good planning of future development. Community horse arenas could be provided using section 106 money.