A PEACEFUL Friday afternoon and I'm going for a walk in

the Forest with my two children of five and seven years

old.

We walk around the Beechenhurst area in Cannop, a

path often trodden by us three, sticking to as many

walking paths as possible to avoid cyclists.

There are two paths which lead to Beechenhurst

Lodge from the cycle-path crossroads at the bottom of

the hill; one for walkers and one for cyclists. As we set off

up the wooded path, which leads directly to the gate

opening into the Beechenhurst area, we were suddenly

bombarded by an entire stampede of middle-aged men

hurtling down towards us at an immense speed on

downhilling mountain bikes.

They thundered towards us at such a rapidity I

literally had to dive in front of my children pushing them

off the path so that they wouldn't be flattened by these

middle-aged rogues!

These men were entirely unapologetic and continued

to scuff the roots and churn up the soil on a path

prohibited to cyclists – that is if you can call these free

wheelers "cyclists".

I understand that dirt track and downhill mountain

biking is a popular sport in the Forest but I also believe

they are restricted to designated paths on the other side

of the road to where I go for walks with my children.

As we finally completed the traumatic journey to the

top of the hill I found there was no sign prohibiting

cyclists and other reckless bikers from using this track.

Although I don't want the beautiful woodland to be

littered with huge signs, I think the Forestry Commission

and the cycle organisations should not encourage this

unscrupulous behaviour and make sure that cycling is

restricted to the hard tracks where appropriate.

Not only does off-road cycling disturb walkers, but

important wildlife and trees are damaged.

I ask the Forestry Commission to do something

about this. I understand some locals have resorted to

pulling trees across tracks to discourage cyclists.

– Name and address supplied.