Please help us create a safe, off-road, multi-user path for people (and dogs), for cyclists and for horses.

In England, we do not have the right to roam. 

We are campaigning for the newly installed footpath to be upgraded to a multi-user path, including horses and cyclists, to improve safety and accessibility.

Horses are not legally allowed to ride on fields, field margins, or footpaths unless given specific permission. 

They are, however, legally allowed to use highways, which are roads. 

Low Carbon installed a new footpath which is exclusive for walkers. 

"Due to the ongoing concerns and risks associated with COVID-19, we were unable to host a community information event for the project in the local community."

Sadly, this proposal did not reflect the needs of our community. Having lived in Layer de la Haye for 10 years, I was unaware that we could comment on this. 

See the risks of Birch Road below. We currently do not feel safe using this road:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residents use Birch Road to connect the village of Layer de la Haye to the public off-road walking, riding and cycling network around Gosbecks Archaeological Park. We can't fully utilise it due to the safety risk on the route.

This road is a narrow, national speed limit road with blind bends that make it nearly impossible to overtake horses, cyclists, or pedestrians safely. 

According to a survey by Cycling UK, 76% of cyclists and pedestrians say they are deterred from starting or increasing their travel by dangerous road conditions. Therefore, this change can benefit not only our community but also encourage more people to use these environmentally friendly modes of transport.

By linking Bridleway 31, Layer de la Haye, to Footpath 24 Birch (part of Sustrans and the National Cycling Network), we would be establishing a secure pathway for vulnerable road users, distancing them from the risk of fast cars and blind bends. 

Please, sign this petition to join our fight for a safer, greener, and more accessible community. We are petitioning for a multi-user, off-road route to be included with the new solar farm development. 

We are asking for the support of the parish and local council on this project to engage with Low Carbon as developers.

Our community needs your help. Please support us and all vulnerable road users. 

A side note on funding, as I've had lots of questions regarding this. A permissive footpath has already been installed. I am simply proposing that this be upgraded to a permissive bridleway. 

Thank you for being so supportive in making our community safer and more accessible.