Solihull Local Plan (Draft Submission) 2020

Include equestrian activity (riding and carriage driving) as part of the plan.

This chapter highlights pedestrians and cyclists but does not take account of equestrian use of highways.
Jesse Norman MP, Parliamentary Under –Secretary of State for Transport in a House of Commons debate on Road Safety, 5 November 2018 (1) stated: “We should be clear that the cycling and walking strategy may have that name but is absolutely targeted at vulnerable road users, including horse-riders……Horse riders are vulnerable road users—there is no doubt about that, and there never has been—and they have been included in the work we are doing.”
Sandwiching equestrians between fast moving motor vehicles and a cycling lane/route would increase the risk to riders significantly. Shared routes for vulnerable road users (bridleways/byways) should be the norm.

2 i) Sustainable travel/transport should include reference to Public Rights of Way; maintaining, extending and resourcing Public Rights of Way, including equestrian access is vital to achieve sustainable transport and to provide for walkers, cyclists and equestrians to enjoy healthy, active leisure.

5 v) Multi-user routes are often interpreted as being for pedestrians and cyclists. Equestrians then become sandwiched between fast moving traffic and fast moving cyclists which creates a detrimental impact on highway safety. Equestrians should be included on multi-user/active travel routes for improved safety.

Broadly accept the policy.
8. Protection of and opportunities for extension ofPublic Rights of Way should be included within the criteria.

Broadly accept.
8. Please include the protection of and opportunities for expansion of Public Rights of Way within the policy.

Broadly accept.
Protection of existing public rights of way to ensure that all users are included. Bridleways and byways are part of the PRoW network benefitting pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders/drivers. The network is fragmented therefore opportunities to extend the network for all user groups should be planned for in the design of developments. Surfaces that are safe for all users and environmentally sound should also be included in the development plans.

Broadly accept. The equestrian industry contributes £4.7 billion to the UK economy. Horses are also an important part of our heritage. Developments should include consideration of access for equestrians in their design.

Broadly accept.
2 i) The diverse population includes equestrians and physical activity includes horse riding/driving which research shows to have significant physical and mental health benefits (Sung et al, 2015).
2 iii) Active travel definition includes equestrians as they are also vulnerable road users (Jesse Norman MP, 2018)

Broadly support.
Equestrian access on public rights of way should be protected and new multi-user routes should include equestrians who are also entitled to enjoy outdoor recreation and leisure. 67% of equestrians are women and girls (Beta, 2019) and those in the over 45 years of age group are unlikely to undertake any other type of physical activity (Church 2010).
Waterways provide opportunities for multi-user routes including equestrians, of which there are successful examples in other authority areas.

Protecting and extending the existing PRoW network to include equestrians in order to provide safe, off-road, connected routes.
Using opportunities such as new multi-user routes to include equestrians to improve highway safety and prevent road accidents.

2 ix and x, 3viii and 4iii
Equestrians are not included in the commitment here. Routes in and around rural/semi-rural areas particularly would be essential for equestrians.

Active travel includes equestrians as vulnerable road users (Jesse Norman MP, 2018). Improvements to the connectivity of cycle and pedestrian routes should include equestrians where it could avoid horse riders being sandwiched between fast moving motorised traffic and fast moving cyclists, to improve safety.

2 vi, 3iv,