Walkers claim Mountain Bikers are ruining Bodmin woods

Local walkers and horse riders have accused mountain bikers of ruining Cardinham woods near Bodmin in Cornwall.

Article source: Cornish Guardian

SPEEDING mountain bikers are ruining Cardinham Woods for walkers and many people are now boycotting the scenic woodland, it has been claimed.

Locals say the trails created by the Forestry Commission near Bodmin are now attracting hordes of extreme cyclists from across the UK and strolling through the woods is no longer a pleasurable experience as they clash with irresponsible bikers.

They also complain about the amount of litter discarded by the off-road cyclists.

Lindsey Tomlinson from Cardinham, says the woods are now becoming dangerous for walkers and horse-riders due to the behaviour of the cyclists, and she has contacted MP Scott Mann about her own and other people's concerns.

Mrs Tomlinson said: " A lot of local people are no longer going to the woods because the mountain bikers are ruining their enjoyment. They tear around at excessive speed, and it is no longer safe for people to walk there, as more and more areas of the wood have been made into cycle trails.

"It's not ordinary local cyclists who are causing the problems, but dedicated trail cyclists who come to Cardinham from various parts of the country, attracted by the Forestry Commission advertising the trails.

"They spook horses, litter the woods with their energy drink cans and generally have no regard for others. It is simply no longer a pleasant place to go for a great many people,'' said Mrs Tomlinson.

Another protester, Daphne Moore from Bodmin, said it was not only Cardinham Woods where trails for mountain bikers posed a problem for walkers.

"It is happened at Grogley Woods off the Camel Trail too. It's not ordinary pleasure cyclists who cause problems, but those who take part in extreme sports. They appear at speed from nowhere, and it's impossible for people to walk there now.

"People have been complaining to the Forestry Commission for three years now, but nothing has been done.''

The Forestry Commission admits conflicts can occur.

John Ebsary, area forester for Cornwall said: "Cardinham Woods is a busy recreation site and with lots of people using the forest for different reasons, there can at times be some conflict and its disappointing to hear that these visitors have had issues.

"We work hard to communicate with all our visitors and encourage everyone to be considerate of other users. We recently made some changes to our Lady Vale trail to alleviate clashes between walkers and cyclists which has made a positive difference.

"We also have a seasonal ranger starting soon who will be on site during our busiest times and part of his role will be to be there to help visitors and also make sure the everyone is being considerate of other visitors.

"If any of our visitors have concerns or would like to speak to me in more detail about any of these issues they are welcome to contact me at [email protected], he said.