CYCLISTS are being targeted in a campaign to stop them scaring horses and riders on tracks and bridleways.

Leaflets warning cyclists of the dangers are being distributed at bicycle shops and clubs across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The move comes at the start of the British Horse Society Access Week, which begins today, as more and more cyclists are being forced to share tracks and bridleways with horses.

Hazel Wallis is the BHS access officer for Worcestershire and says she is alarmed at the number of cyclists who fail to make themselves aware.

"We know they don't do it deliberately but sometimes cyclists appear in the trees where the horse is least expecting them," said Hazel.

"This can obviously upset a horse which is a very large creature, and we want to avoid potential accidents. There is a lot of joint use of paths and tracks and this sometimes causes difficulties. I hope cyclists will be prepared to slow down and just edge off the path to let the rider pass.

"They do not seem to realise that they could be in great danger. My personal moan is the sudden noise of breaks because that upsets my horse. It would help enormously if cyclists could shout out or say hello while still a little way from the horse."

The leaflets will be dropped through the letter boxes of cycling shops, clubs and clothing retailers over the next few days as part of the campaign to raise awareness about access issues and the work being done by BHS staff, volunteers and affiliated bridleways groups on behalf of riders across the UK.

Stand up for your rights of way says UK horse society

THE British Horse Society is hoping its Access Week, which starts today, will help to defend and extend equestrian rights of way.

Bobbie Matuluga, assistant bridleways officer for North East Worcestershire, wants to publicise Access Week to get more riders to use bridleways.

"The more we use the bridleways the more it will encourage landowners to maintain them by keeping hedges cut and gates in order," she said. "There are a number of 'lost' bridleways across the two counties and we want people to help us find them as we only have until 2026 to get them logged with the county council.

"It would be great if riders could spare some time visiting the county records office - or we may lose the bridleways forever."

Hannah Cohen, senior executive of the BHS Access and Rights of Way Department, is appealing to equestrian groups across the two counties to get involved.

"There's never been a more important time to join in and help us defend, extend and promote the equestrian rights of way network," she said.

"We want riders to know they can make a difference to the rights of riders."

The society's Rider's Charter, which was presented to local authorities five years ago, identified a number of needs for horses and riders and listed specific actions by government and other bodies that would enhance and improve equestrian access.

These include the reopening of all obstructed legal rights of way and the creation of new routes to link the network.