I WOULD like to respond to some comments in recent letters.
Why do some pedestrians feel they have sole rights to the Forest trails?
Bikers are also referred to as 'a nuisance' and 'leaving muck and debris wherever they go.' No doubt some bikers think walkers are a nuisance! As a local, and a biker (on and off road) I think that I have a right to enjoy the Forest, and keep fit, following my own preferred pursuit, as do others with different interests. I leave no debris, destroy nothing, and sometimes even spend some cash at locally run businesses. I will greet people I meet, and sometimes get a friendly reply. No-one I ride with behaves any differently, and as a member of the Royal Dean Forest Cycle Club I know a number of the local cyclists.
'Bikers bring nothing to the Forest' – try telling Pedalabikeaway that! I daresay bikers buy as much food, beer etc as do any other group visiting the Forest, be it walkers, canoeists, birdwatchers or tourists, and some might even stay for a night or two.
As for 'bikes belong in mountains, not leisure areas,' come on, how do you work that one out!
The Forest is a pretty big place. Surely there is enough of it to satisfy the needs of various folk who want various things out of it.
Agreed, there will always be the irresponsible and antisocial few who risk spoiling the status quo for the majority, but this must be true for any group be it cyclists or walkers, locals or visitors – that's life ain't it? – Graham Carter, Brierley.