Footpaths on trailquests

[Grizzly Graham]

For those who rode yesterday at Braunston and have still got their map, i headed north up the canal from CP 22 with the intention of cutting across from the 3 locks directly to CP 18.
It wasn't until I got there that I realised it was a footpath. I know, I should have checked before planning my route.
So, instead of 200m, I rode about 2.5km, up the canal and back down the road.

After I got back, I was told that I could have carried my bike along the footpath.
Is that right ?
I've always treated footpaths as out of bounds on trailquests (commuting and non competitive rides are a different matter ).
Is within the rules to walk on a footpath if it offers a significant shortcut ?
And do you have to carry, not push, your bike ?

[pemsey1]

I'm new to this game - Braunston was only my second trailquest - great fun though!
To answer your question - this has been a bit of a debate elsewhere on MTB sites - as far as I understand it the "original" rights of way legislation (from something like 1850!) only allows passage along a footpath with the "normal" accesories for walking or similar wording - so a dog etc would be allowed but in theory a bike isn't a normal accompaniment for someone walking (have they seen the speed I go!) so isn't allowed on footpaths - even if carried! Pretty sure it' s never been tested "in law" but if in principle it's not allowed the I guess it would "wrong" to use a footpath as a shortcut on a Trailquesteven if carrying a bike?

As a newbie I'd regard it as "unsporting" - it's supposed to be a biking event after all

(Not sure where that leaves a footpath that everybody uses anyway - I guess if the owner of the land doesn't object then it's a permissive bridleway?)

Hope this helps
P.

[slarge]

This old nugget!!

Footpaths are definitely no go areas during events. Unfortunately we bikes are restricted to Byeways, Bridleways and roads, and during events, any restriction shown by the organiser as out of bounds.

It keeps it fair for everyone....

Having said that - if you are lost, do you retrace your steps (thereby maybe riding the footpath twice), or get to the B/Way by the shortest route possible?

[mickt]

pemsey1 nice reply, almost spot on. This is the anorak bit. Under the Highways Act 1835 s72 it is an offence to ride a bicycle on a footway (footpath) and it is submitted that a bicycle is not a 'natural accompaniment' of a user of a footpath, and that to push (or carry) one along a footpath is therefore to commit trespass against the landowner.....
Now if the landowner gives permission!! or the right of way is wrongly marked!!
This is where it is important to obey instructions given by the organisers re what may be permissive for the day or out of bounds.

Mick

[pemsey1]

Only 15 years out Does that qualify me for a Cagoule instead of an anorak