North Downs Way advice please

[psycal]

I recently cycled the South Downs Way and thought I'd tackle the North Downs Way next. However, unlike the SDW which seems to be amenable to mountain bikes from start to finish, same route as walking, the NDW seems to have very extensive stretches where it's footpath only and therefore not open to bikes. I've had a look at the North Downs Way riders’ route which gives alternative, vaguely parallel routes to the north or south. Some of these veer off considerably, adding quite a bit of mileage to the overall route. My question is: has anyone in this group found a way of sticking closer to the NDW?

 

[mjr]

the NDW seems to have very extensive stretches where it's footpath only and therefore not open to bikes.

That's only strictly true if there are signs or landowners/agents telling you not to, and even then, I think it's only a civil trespass, not a crime (but check this because there have been attempts to change it). You have no right to cycle a footpath, there may be obstructions like stiles or small gates, and you must not damage anything (including any soft surfaces, so no ploughing mud), but if you give way to everyone and do no harm, then it's often possible, especially for short vital links. Whether it's a good idea... well, opinions differ.

 

[ktmbiker58]

That's only strictly true if there are signs or landowners/agents telling you not to, and even then, I think it's only a civil trespass, not a crime (but check this because there have been attempts to change it). You have no right to cycle a footpath, there may be obstructions like stiles or small gates, and you must not damage anything (including any soft surfaces, so no ploughing mud), but if you give way to everyone and do no harm, then it's often possible, especially for short vital links. Whether it's a good idea... well, opinions differ.

There was a House of Lords ruling in the late 90's that the use of a footpath (being a RoW on private land) was not limited to walkers but more that the use was reasonable.

The thinking has always been that cycling on a footpath was an act of trespass against the landowner who can ask a cyclist to leave - however - trespass requires that the trespasser is denying the owner private use of his land which cannot be the case if there is a public right of way !?

A search on Komoot might reveal some routes that others have ridden - I would also check Google Earth to view the route to see if riding it is an option or if there are lots of gates and stiles

 

[grldtnr]

Really! I may ask why is it a problem ? Nearly every other person rides along the pavement through towns, even when the roads are relatively quiet.
Kudos to you for trying to stick to the rules, coz no one else does much, I for one, thinking does matter actually, but if no one else is around ,I cannot see the harm riding a country footpath, the main issue is it's a footpath , and likely overgrown.
I am also contemplating the NDW ,but on a trike ,so unlikely bto use footpaths.