PROTECTION AND CREATION OF BRIDLEWAYS

That this House calls for increased protection, maintenance and creation of bridleways and off-road facilities for horse riders; notes with concern the sharp increase in road accidents involving horses, riders and motor vehicles; further calls for measures to be taken to ensure everyone can enjoy access to the countryside safely; recalls the aims of the Discovering Lost Ways project which sought to produce a definitive map of pathways to become modern rights of way; and further calls on the Government to liaise with equestrian groups, rambling societies and others who value the countryside to use the data collected to invest smartly in maintaining and improving access for equestrians.