A coalition of outdoor organisations, including CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation, is calling on the Government to improve public access to England’s 1,990 miles of coastline.

At present the Government plans to improve access for walkers, but CTC wants coastal access for all countryside users including cyclists.

Richard George, CTC Off-road campaigner: said: “Cycling around England’s coast should be a pleasure, but only 60 miles of coastal bridleway is open to cyclists – and half go underwater at high tide. Open access to the coast will be great news for everyone who would like to enjoy the countryside, but it’s vital that cyclists are not forgotten.”

The coalition of Britain’s leading outdoor organisations is calling on the Government to introduce a permanent, multi-user right of access around England’s entire coastline. It will recommend that within the zone, a code of practice would define the new access and set out rights and responsibilities. Access would be regulated to protect wildlife, and legitimate privacy issues and to take account of coastal developments..

The coalition features the CTC, The Ramblers’ Association (RA), British Canoe Union, British Mountaineering Council, British Caving Association, Central Council of Physical Recreation, Equestrian Access Forum, International Mountain Biking Association UK and the Open Spaces Society.

Website - www.ctc.org.uk